WARN notices and layoff law in Iowa
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Iowa adds its own protection: Iowa's own Layoff Notification Law (Iowa WARN) covers employers with 25+ employees and requires 30 days' notice for a closure or layoff affecting 25+ employees. You can see mass layoffs reported in Iowa on the state's official WARN list at workforce.iowa.gov.
Iowa layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Iowa state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at workforce.iowa.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Iowa's own Layoff Notification Law (Iowa WARN) covers employers with 25+ employees and requires 30 days' notice for a closure or layoff affecting 25+ employees.
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.
Iowa WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Iowa?
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. Iowa also has its own law: Iowa's own Layoff Notification Law (Iowa WARN) covers employers with 25+ employees and requires 30 days' notice for a closure or layoff affecting 25+ employees. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in Iowa?
Iowa publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at workforce.iowa.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Iowa have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Iowa's own Layoff Notification Law (Iowa WARN) covers employers with 25+ employees and requires 30 days' notice for a closure or layoff affecting 25+ employees. 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 Iowa
The official Iowa 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 Iowa site (workforce.iowa.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.