WARN notices and layoff law in California
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. 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.
California layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
California state law
Yes, stricter than 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 requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 calendar days' written notice before a mass layoff or plant closing. 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 they skip required notice, they 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.
WARN in another state
The official notice list and layoff law for every other state.
Reviewed June 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.