Remember WARN?
The Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act has been around for a while, but you don’t hear much about it. That could change in the wake of our present economy. It seems that, almost daily, there are announcements of business closures, downsizings, reorganizations and layoffs. When these things happen, are employers remembering WARN?
When Skybus recently quit flying, it was sued by employees claiming that the company hadn’t given the required notice to employees as required by WARN, thus entitling discharged employees to back pay and other damages. Ditto for ATA Airlines. Both lawsuits are filed as class actions.
If you don’t remember WARN or it’s kind of fuzzy, check out this fact sheet. If you’re covered by the law, you’re supposed to give employees 60 days notice before you go out of business or engage in a “mass layoff,” unless you fall within certain exceptions. When you’re thinking about closing your doors or laying off a bunch of employees, you need legal advice about a lot of stuff. Don’t forget WARN.
About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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