California WARN Act: Offering Job Loss Protection Amidst Mass Layoffs

What Is the California WARN Act?

The California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a labor law that requires employers in California to provide advance notice to employees and certain government agencies in the event of a mass layoff, plant closure, or substantial reduction in work hours.

Key Features of the California WARN Act

• Notification Requirements: Employers are required to provide written notice at least 60 days in advance of the planned layoffs, plant closures, or reductions in work hours.
• Coverage: Applies to employers with 75 or more full-time or part-time employees.
• Exceptions: Limited exceptions for unforeseeable business circumstances or natural disasters.
• Penalties: Employers may face fines and back pay for affected employees for each day the notice is not provided.

Recent Examples of California WARN Act Notices

• Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Intel have made recent WARN Act notices.
• Other notable layoffs include Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Walmart, Hollywood Palladium, Cepheid, Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Virgin Orbit, and Gap, Inc.

California WARN Act vs. Federal WARN Act

• California WARN Act: More comprehensive coverage, 60-day notice requirement for 50+ employees, plant closures, or relocations.
• Federal WARN Act: Applies to employers with 100 or more full-time employees, 500+ employees or 33% of workforce, 60-day notice requirement.
• Differences: Coverage, notification period, and exceptions.

How Does an Employer File a WARN Act Notice?

• Determine applicability based on employee count and workforce size.
• Provide notice to employees and government entities.
• File notice with California Employment Development Department (EDD).
• Consider consulting legal counsel.

California WARN Act FAQs

• What is the California WARN Act?
• Who is covered by the California WARN Act?
• When is notice required under the California WARN Act?
• What events trigger the California WARN Act notice requirement?
• Are there exceptions to the 60-day notice requirement?
• What are the penalties for non-compliance with the California WARN Act?