WARN notices and layoff law in Washington
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Washington adds its own protection: Washington's mini-WARN law (the Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act, effective July 27, 2025) covers private employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a business closing or a mass layoff of 50+ employees. You can see mass layoffs reported in Washington on the state's official WARN list at esd.wa.gov.
Washington layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Washington state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at esd.wa.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Washington's mini-WARN law (the Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act, effective July 27, 2025) covers private employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a business closing or a mass layoff of 50+ 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.
Washington WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Washington?
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. Washington also has its own law: Washington's mini-WARN law (the Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act, effective July 27, 2025) covers private employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a business closing or a mass layoff of 50+ 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 Washington?
Washington publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at esd.wa.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Washington have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Washington's mini-WARN law (the Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act, effective July 27, 2025) covers private employers with 50+ employees and requires 60 days' notice for a business closing or a mass layoff of 50+ 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 Washington
The official Washington 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 Washington site (esd.wa.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.