WARN notices and layoff law in Ohio
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Ohio adds its own protection: Ohio's mini-WARN Act (ORC 4113.31), effective September 29, 2025, tracks federal WARN by covering employers with 100+ employees and requiring 60 days' notice for plant closings or mass layoffs of 50+ workers at a single site within a 30-day period. You can see mass layoffs reported in Ohio on the state's official WARN list at jfs.ohio.gov.
Ohio layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Ohio state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at jfs.ohio.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Ohio's mini-WARN Act (ORC 4113.31), effective September 29, 2025, tracks federal WARN by covering employers with 100+ employees and requiring 60 days' notice for plant closings or mass layoffs of 50+ workers at a single site within a 30-day period.
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.
Ohio WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Ohio?
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. Ohio also has its own law: Ohio's mini-WARN Act (ORC 4113.31), effective September 29, 2025, tracks federal WARN by covering employers with 100+ employees and requiring 60 days' notice for plant closings or mass layoffs of 50+ workers at a single site within a 30-day period. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in Ohio?
Ohio publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at jfs.ohio.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Ohio have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Ohio's mini-WARN Act (ORC 4113.31), effective September 29, 2025, tracks federal WARN by covering employers with 100+ employees and requiring 60 days' notice for plant closings or mass layoffs of 50+ workers at a single site within a 30-day period. 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 Ohio
The official Ohio 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 Ohio site (jfs.ohio.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.