What is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)?

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) is a federal law that requires employers in Washington with more than 100 employees to provide notification at least 60 days in advance of a plant closing or mass layoff. The WARN Act is designed to give workers and their families time to adjust to the potential loss of employment, to seek and obtain other employment, or to enter training for other employment. WARN applies to employers in Washington who have 100 or more employees, not including part-time employees. The law also applies to private and public universities. Employers are required to provide written notice to workers and local government officials at least 60 days before a plant closing or mass layoff. The notice must include the date and reason for the closing or layoff, as well as other information. WARN requires employers to provide a certain amount of severance pay or employment services to workers who are laid off due to a plant closing or mass layoff. The amount depends on the size of the workforce, the number of workers affected, and other factors. These services may include job search and resume assistance, career counseling, and job training. The purpose of WARN is to protect workers from sudden and unexpected job losses. It also gives workers and their families time to make plans for their future, plan for job training, or seek other employment.

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