Overview

COVID-19 has triggered an economic downturn that in turn has led to a historic number of layoffs and unemployment claims. Previous economic downturns that led to layoffs and increased unemployment, and RIF’s have resulted in allegations of WARN Act violations and amendments intended to bolster discrimination and wage and hour laws.

Admittedly, under the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, there are some relief provisions related to employers and employees, however, it says nothing about the suspension of the WARN Act. The result: employers are left with myriad issues related to RIFs, dealing with employee issues, and in protecting the company from liability.