California Passes its Own Version of the WARN Act
MSK Client Alert
October 2002
The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act ("WARN Act"), in effect since February 4, 1989, requires covered employers to provide employees or their representatives with 60 days written notice prior to any "mass layoff" or "plant closing," as defined. Failure to provide such notice can subject employers to substantial liability, including up to 60 days back pay per employee and a $30,000 penalty.