WARN notices and layoff law in Maryland
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Maryland adds its own protection: Maryland's Economic Stabilization Act (mini-WARN) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a reduction affecting the greater of 25% of the workforce or 15 employees. You can see mass layoffs reported in Maryland on the state's official WARN list at labor.maryland.gov.
Maryland layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Maryland state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at labor.maryland.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Maryland's Economic Stabilization Act (mini-WARN) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a reduction affecting the greater of 25% of the workforce or 15 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.
Maryland WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Maryland?
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. Maryland also has its own law: Maryland's Economic Stabilization Act (mini-WARN) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a reduction affecting the greater of 25% of the workforce or 15 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 Maryland?
Maryland publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at labor.maryland.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Maryland have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Maryland's Economic Stabilization Act (mini-WARN) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a reduction affecting the greater of 25% of the workforce or 15 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 Maryland
The official Maryland 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 Maryland site (labor.maryland.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.