WARN notices and layoff law in New York
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. New York adds its own protection: New York (NYS WARN Act) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 90 days' advance notice for plant closings, mass layoffs (25+ employees), relocations, or major hour reductions. You can see mass layoffs reported in New York on the state's official WARN list at dol.ny.gov.
New York layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
New York state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at dol.ny.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
New York (NYS WARN Act) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 90 days' advance notice for plant closings, mass layoffs (25+ employees), relocations, or major hour reductions.
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.
New York WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in New York?
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. New York also has its own law: New York (NYS WARN Act) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 90 days' advance notice for plant closings, mass layoffs (25+ employees), relocations, or major hour reductions. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in New York?
New York publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at dol.ny.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does New York have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. New York (NYS WARN Act) covers employers with 50+ employees and requires 90 days' advance notice for plant closings, mass layoffs (25+ employees), relocations, or major hour reductions. 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 New York
The official New York 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 New York site (dol.ny.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.