J. Fired as Part of a Large Layoff

If you are part of a massive layoff and not given at least 60 days' notice or 60 days' severance pay, this is a violation under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). This law prohibits employers from ordering a plant closing or massive layoffs until 60 days after the employer has given written notice of this to affected employees or their representatives, the state dislocated worker unit, and the chief elected official of the unit of local government where the closing or layoff is to occur. If you are fired suddenly and are part of a massive layoff, consult a lawyer immediately to discuss your rights and options under WARN.

Counsel Comments:This claim does not only apply to union employees working at plants. It can be asserted when a private employer (such as IBM or AT&T) lays off hundreds of executives at one time or when a company discharges large numbers of secretaries or dismantles an accounting, business, or financial department due to a re-organization.