WARN
Business & Finance abbreviation · Human Resources
| Stands for | Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act |
|---|---|
| Categories | Business & Finance |
WARN stands for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, a human resources abbreviation.
US law of 1988 requiring employers with 100 or more full-time employees to give 60 calendar days' written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff, so workers can prepare and states can arrange retraining. Employers that skip notice owe back pay and benefits for the shortfall.
Example: The company filed a WARN notice with the state, so the layoffs take effect in 60 days.
Usage notes
Many employers pay 60 days' wages in lieu of notice. States including California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois have "mini-WARN" acts with lower thresholds or longer notice; New York requires 90 days. Published WARN notices are public and often the first sign of layoffs reported in the news.
Related abbreviations
More human resources abbreviations
- AA – Affirmative action
- ALE – Applicable large employer
- ATS – Applicant tracking system
- BFOQ – Bona fide occupational qualification
- BIK – Benefit in kind
- C&B – Compensation and benefits
- C2C – Corp-to-corp
- C2H – Contract-to-hire
- CBA – Collective bargaining agreement
- CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- COBRA – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
- CPH – Cost per hire