WARN notices and layoff law in California
The federal WARN Act covers employers with 100 or more full-time employees. It requires 60 calendar days' written notice before a plant closing that costs 50 or more full-time workers their jobs at one site, or a mass layoff at one site within 30 days of either 500 or more full-time workers, or 50 to 499 who make up at least a third of that site's workforce. California adds its own protection: California (Cal-WARN) covers employers with 75+ full- and part-time employees and requires 60 days' notice for a plant closure, a layoff of 50+ employees in a 30-day period, or a relocation of 100+ miles. You can see mass layoffs reported in California on the state's official WARN list at edd.ca.gov.
Just laid off? Five clocks started that day
Severance review, COBRA, unemployment, and the rest: every first-week deadline in one place. Free, no account needed.
California layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
Employers of 100+; 60 days' notice before a plant closing (50+ jobs at a site) or a mass layoff (500+ at a site, or 50 to 499 who are at least a third of it)
California state law
Yes, its own law on top of federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at edd.ca.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
California (Cal-WARN) covers employers with 75+ full- and part-time employees and requires 60 days' notice for a plant closure, a layoff of 50+ employees in a 30-day period, or a relocation of 100+ miles.
If your employer skipped required WARN notice, you may be owed back pay and benefits for the missing days, up to 60. There are narrow exceptions (genuinely unforeseen circumstances, disasters), and most layoffs don't qualify.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you were owed notice, an employment attorney can tell you whether you have a claim, often with a free first consultation.
California WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in California?
The federal WARN Act covers employers with 100 or more full-time employees. It requires 60 calendar days' written notice before a plant closing that costs 50 or more full-time workers their jobs at one site, or a mass layoff at one site within 30 days of either 500 or more full-time workers, or 50 to 499 who make up at least a third of that site's workforce. California also has its own law: California (Cal-WARN) covers employers with 75+ full- and part-time employees and requires 60 days' notice for a plant closure, a layoff of 50+ employees in a 30-day period, or a relocation of 100+ miles. If an employer skips required notice, it can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in California?
California publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at edd.ca.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does California have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. California (Cal-WARN) covers employers with 75+ full- and part-time employees and requires 60 days' notice for a plant closure, a layoff of 50+ employees in a 30-day period, or a relocation of 100+ miles. This is general information, not legal advice; if you think you were owed notice, confirm the details with the state or an employment attorney.
Keep going
The full WARN guide
How the 60-day rule works, who's covered, and what you're owed if it's violated.
File for unemployment in California
The official California portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
Health coverage after a layoff in California
Where to enroll in California, your 60-day window, and the Medicaid rules.
WARN in another state
The official notice list and layoff law for every other state.
Reviewed September 2026, unchanged since September 2026. WARN rules and state laws change; confirm the current details on the official California site (edd.ca.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.