Employers facing a mass layoff or reduction in force (RIF) must understand their obligations under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act), which requires employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs and plant closings to affected workers and their families in some situations. The employee identification process, however, is the employer's best tool to guard against future litigation from disgruntled employees. Employers should use this How To when considering and/or preparing employees for a mass layoff.
This checklist may be used to ensure proper steps are taken when identifying employees in a Reduction in Force (RIF) and in determining if the employer must comply with the strict provisions of the WARN Act.
An employer may use this letter to notify affected employees of an impending layoff or plant closing. If an employer must comply with the WARN Act, further outlined steps must be taken.
HR guidance on downsizing efforts and mass layoffs/plant closings, the typical reasons to close a plant, common HR considerations in the course of a plant closing and planning for post-plant closing risk by complying with federal and state law.