Are WARN notices public record?
There is no federal list: the U.S. Department of Labor says it "neither maintains a database of WARN notices, nor requires employers to provide WARN notices to the Department". Employers must send them to the state dislocated worker unit, and "Some States publish WARN notice listings on their websites but this is voluntary for States". So whether a notice is published, where and in what format depends on the state; California's EDD, for example, posts a WARN report as a spreadsheet, and New York's Department of Labor a WARN dashboard.
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Who must give notice
The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act applies to employers with "100 or more employees, excluding part-time employees", or 100 or more employees who together work at least 4,000 hours a week. Before a plant closing or mass layoff they must give "at least 60 calendar days advance written notice".
Who receives it
- each affected employee, or their representative (such as a union);
- the state dislocated worker unit ("the State or entity designated by the State to carry out rapid response activities");
- the chief elected official of the local government where the closing or layoff happens.
Where to find notices
| State | What it publishes |
|---|---|
| California (EDD) | A "Latest WARN report" spreadsheet. California's own law applies to employers with 75 or more employees (full-time and part-time). |
| New York (DOL) | Since 1 April 2025, notices are in its WARN Dashboard rather than the earlier database. |
"Some States have their own laws addressing layoffs and worksite closures", so thresholds and notice periods can be stricter than the federal law. Check each state's labour department.
Olympus's catalogue lists a US WARN Layoff Notices API as planned. It is not available, and nothing about its coverage is promised.
Questions
Does the Department of Labor publish WARN notices?
No. The DOL says it neither maintains a database of WARN notices nor requires employers to send them to the Department.
Who receives a WARN notice?
Affected employees or their representative, the state dislocated worker unit and the chief elected official of the local government.
How much notice does the WARN Act require?
At least 60 calendar days' advance written notice of a plant closing or mass layoff, for employers covered by the Act.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor (ETA): WARN Act frequently asked questions
- Legal Information Institute: 29 U.S. Code § 2101
- Legal Information Institute: 29 U.S. Code § 2102
- California Employment Development Department: Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN)
- New York State Department of Labor: WARN notices