What is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)?
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as the WARN Act, is a law passed by the federal government in 1988 that requires employers with 100 or more employees to give at least 60 days’ advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff. The purpose of the WARN Act is to protect workers, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide advance notice when reducing their workforce. It gives workers and their families time to adjust to the changes and to locate other forms of employment. In Florida, employers with 50 or more employees are required to give 90 days’ advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff, or else give their affected employees with compensation for lost wages and benefits. WARN applies to employers in both the private and public sectors, and includes those in the manufacturing, defense, and hospitality industries. The WARN Act provides protection to employees from being suddenly terminated due to job loss, and ensures that they receive the advance notice they need in order to plan for the future. If an employer fails to give the required notice, they may be liable for back pay and benefits for the employees they failed to inform. The WARN Act also allows employees to file suit and seek remedies for their damages.
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