Company Lays Off 100s Defying WARN Act

On May 10, 2023 the Packaging Corporation of America confirmed that it has laid off hundreds of employees, defying the Washington state WARN Act, in a statement to Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, WA.)

According to the Seattle Times, “the decision will affect about 300 of the 450 Packaging Corporation employees at Wallula, many of whom commute from the Tri-Cities.”

There was no warning for the layoffs, which defied the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act WARN Act. The WARN Act requires companies with 100 or more employees affected by layoffs to give advance notice.

What Does The WARN Act Ensure?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, WARN notices are required for temporary shutdowns that last six months or longer. It helps to ensure advance notice in cases of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs.

The U.S. Department of Labor has compliance assistance materials to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under the provisions of WARN.

• Worker’s Guide: This guide provides a brief overview of the WARN Act provisions and answers to frequently asked questions about employee rights. It is not an official interpretation of the WARN Act or the regulations at 20 CFR Part 639.

Worker’s Rights In Washington State

As a Washington state employee, you are entitled to several protections and benefits under state and federal laws. Everyone deserves to be paid fairly, work free of discrimination and harassment, and perform their job in a safe work environment. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, and many people don’t know what to do, or even what their rights are. In this guide, we’ve outlined your basic worker’s rights, what to do when they’re violated, and how hiring a skilled employment attorney can help you.

If you have been affected by these layoffs, contact the legal team at Emery | Reddy. You may have a case! Call us today!