The recent economic downturn has caused too many people to lose jobs. However, employers that are cutting jobs still have responsibilities to their employees. Under the federal Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, more commonly known as the WARN Act, employers of more than 100 people must provide 60 days advance notice before mass-layoffs, such as plant closings. Some states, such as New York, apply stricter versions of the WARN act and require even longer periods of notice.
Put concretely, under the WARN Act, if you work at a large plant or store that is closing, your employer must give you 60 days notice so that you can look for other jobs. If your employer fails to do so, it has violated your legal rights and you may be entitled to compensation. For example, the financial brokerage MF Global. is being sued for laying off masses of employees without giving proper notice. If you believe your rights under the WARN Act have been violated, please call us to discuss your legal options