WI Warn Act Update
Wisconsin updates the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
New guidelines for business closing and mass layoffs.
Employers of 50 or more workers in the State of Wisconsin must provide written notice 60 days before implementing a “business closing” or “mass layoff.”
Definitions
Business closing: A permanent or temporary shutdown that affects 25 or more employees.
Mass layoff: A reduction that affects at least 25% of the workforce or 25 employees, whichever if greater. When a reduction reaches 500 employees, it is automatically considered a mass layoff regardless of the percentage of the workforce affected.
Employers must notify:
- The Dislocated Workers’ Unit of the Department of Workforce Development.
- All affected employees.
- Any collective bargaining unit representative.
- The highest official of any municipality in which the affected employment site is located.
What to tell employees
Effective December 16, affected employees must receive written notice that provides contact information for the local workforce development board and a list of resources, including information on career planning, job search, job skills training, and other support services. A sample notice is available at the local workforce development boards.
WARN Links
Wisconsin WARN
- www.dwd.state.wi.us/dislocatedworker/employers_info.htm
- http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards_bureau/business_closing_and_mass_layoffs.htm
Federal WARN
Applies to companies with at least 100 employees. These employers should seek additional legal compliance assistance.
Disclaimer
This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to, nor does it, provide any form of legal advice regarding the subject matter of the documents. You should not take any actions on the basis of this document, but instead should seek legal advice regarding your issues.
See more Legal Updates here.