J. Right to Be Warned Before a Massive Layoff

Employees are entitled to be warned of large layoffs under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). Employers with more than 100 workers are required to give employees and their communities at least 60 days notice or comparable financial benefits (60 days notice pay) of plant closings and large layoffs that affect 50 or more workers at a job site. Speak to an experienced employment lawyer or contact your nearest regional office of the Department of Labor for more information. Companies must be careful when contemplating a substantial reduction of their workforce, and a representative from the Department of Labor can advise you if your rights are being violated.

Tip:Consider filing a lawsuit alleging WARN violations if you are terminated due to a large reorganization or downsizing (e.g., your whole department is suddenly axed) and are not given a reasonable warning or decent severance package. Speak to a lawyer for more details if applicable.