WARN notices and layoff law in Maine
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Maine adds its own protection: Maine's severance/mini-WARN law (26 MRSA Sec. 625-B) covers establishments with 100+ employees and requires 60 days' notice plus one week's severance pay per year of service for closings, relocations, or mass layoffs (50+ employees or 33% of the workforce). You can see mass layoffs reported in Maine on the state's official WARN list at joblink.maine.gov.
Maine layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Maine state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at joblink.maine.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Maine's severance/mini-WARN law (26 MRSA Sec. 625-B) covers establishments with 100+ employees and requires 60 days' notice plus one week's severance pay per year of service for closings, relocations, or mass layoffs (50+ employees or 33% of the workforce).
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.
Maine WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Maine?
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. Maine also has its own law: Maine's severance/mini-WARN law (26 MRSA Sec. 625-B) covers establishments with 100+ employees and requires 60 days' notice plus one week's severance pay per year of service for closings, relocations, or mass layoffs (50+ employees or 33% of the workforce). If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in Maine?
Maine publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at joblink.maine.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Maine have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Maine's severance/mini-WARN law (26 MRSA Sec. 625-B) covers establishments with 100+ employees and requires 60 days' notice plus one week's severance pay per year of service for closings, relocations, or mass layoffs (50+ employees or 33% of the workforce). 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 Maine
The official Maine 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 Maine site (joblink.maine.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.