03/14/2011
Mass layoffs trigger employer obligations under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires some employers to provide advance written notice of a “plant closing” or “mass layoff” to their employees. But sometimes, those obligations can be waived. A recent 7th Circuit case—Ellis v. DHL Express, Inc.—held that employees who voluntarily entered into a severance agreement released their employer from liability under the WARN Act.
03/04/2011
The WARN Act forbids employers from implementing a plant closing or mass layoff until 60 days after employees have been notified they will lose their jobs. Employees on layoff status when the announcement is made are also entitled to receive warning. They’re also entitled to wage payments if, at the time of the notice, they reasonably expected they would be recalled to work.