Washington is the latest state to enact a “mini-WARN” act, joining a growing number of states with legislation similar to the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101, et seq. The Washington “Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act” becomes effective on July 27, 2025.
The new law directs the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) to adopt rules and to administer and enforce Washington’s Mini-WARN. Currently, no rules are in place.
Generally, federal WARN requires employers to provide 60 days’ advance written notice to affected employees, their union representatives, the state dislocated worker unit, and the chief elected official of local government of a “plant closing” or a “mass layoff.”
Washington’s law similarly requires 60 days’ advance written notice of a “business closing” or a “mass layoff” to affected employees or, if they are represented by a union, their bargaining representative, and the ESD.
Although the two statutes are similar, their...
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