Recent economic data suggests the labor market is cooling. Employers shed 23,000 jobs in July, and revised figures show an additional 103,000 jobs were lost in May and June combined. With these signs of strain, many workers are wondering if more cuts are on the horizon.
While no one can predict the future, companies are not allowed to quietly plan mass layoffs. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act mandates that medium and large employers provide 60 days' advance notice of plant closings or significant layoffs. In most states, these notices are public records—if you know where to look.
What the WARN Act Requires
The federal law applies to employers with 100 or more full-time workers. A "mass layoff" is defined as either: (1) 500 or more employees losing jobs at a single site, or (2) 50 to 499 employees losing jobs, provided that number constitutes at least 33% of the company's active workforce. Some states have stricter rules, requiring notices from smaller employers or for layoffs affecting fewer people.
Both for-profit and non-profit organizations are covered, but government entities are exempt. There are other exceptions and nuances, detailed in a Department of Labor FAQ.
How to Check Your State's WARN Notices
Most states publish WARN notices online, but there is no central federal database. A Department of Labor spokesperson told Nexstar that workers must consult their state's list. A few states—including Arkansas, New Hampshire, and Wyoming—do not provide public online access. However, many others, such as California, New York, Florida, and Texas, offer easily searchable databases.
To find your state's records, search for your state's name plus "WARN notices." If you can't locate the information, contact your state's rapid response coordinator, as advised by the Department of Labor.
What to Do If You Find Your Company Listed
If your employer appears in a WARN notice, it means they have officially notified the state of impending job cuts. The law also requires that affected employees be informed directly, so you should receive formal notice before or around the time the public record is posted. Still, checking the database can give you an early heads-up to prepare.
Given the current economic uncertainty, staying informed is crucial. While the odds of a sudden windfall are slim, knowing your rights and the public tools available can help you navigate potential job loss.
