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Wrongful Termination · California & New York

WARN Act Violations Attorney

Dealing with a warn act violations issue? Our California & New York employment attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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Common WARN Act Violations Scenarios

Your employer conducted a mass layoff of 50 or more employees without providing 60 days advance written notice
A plant or facility was closed with no warning, leaving you and coworkers without pay or benefits
Your employer gave less than the required notice period before a large-scale reduction in force
You were part of a layoff and your employer claimed the WARN Act did not apply despite meeting the threshold
Your company was sold or acquired and the new owner immediately laid off workers without notice

Your Employment Rights in California & New York

If you have experienced warn act violations, both California and New York law provide strong protections. You may be entitled to:

  • Back pay and lost wages recovery
  • Compensatory damages for emotional distress
  • Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct
  • Attorney's fees and litigation costs paid by the employer

WARN Act Violations FAQ

What is the WARN Act and who does it protect?

The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100+ employees to provide 60 days advance written notice before mass layoffs (50+ employees) or plant closings. California's Cal-WARN Act (Lab. Code § 1400) is even broader, covering employers with 75+ employees. New York's WARN Act also covers employers with 50+ employees.

What damages can I recover for a WARN Act violation?

Under the federal WARN Act, affected employees can recover up to 60 days of back pay and benefits. California's Cal-WARN provides similar remedies plus penalties of $500 per day per violation. New York's WARN Act allows recovery of 60 days of pay and benefits. These damages are per employee, so collective recoveries can be substantial.

Are there exceptions to the WARN Act notice requirement?

Yes, narrow exceptions exist: the "faltering company" exception (employer actively seeking capital), "unforeseeable business circumstances" (sudden market changes), and "natural disaster." However, courts interpret these exceptions strictly. COVID-19 prompted some temporary modifications, but standard requirements have resumed.

How do I file a WARN Act claim?

WARN Act claims are filed in federal district court (federal WARN) or state court (state WARN Acts). There is no administrative prerequisite. The statute of limitations is generally three years under federal law. In California and New York, class or collective actions are common because WARN violations typically affect many workers simultaneously.

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