ARTICLE
21 July 2021

California WARN Act: The COVID-19 Related Suspension Of The Sixty Day Notice Requirement Expires

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Perkins Coie LLP

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On March 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-31-20 ("EO N-31-20") regarding the California WARN Act (Lab. Code §§ 1400, et seq.). EO N-31-20 is often inaccurately described as suspension of the entire California WARN Act.
United States California Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On March 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-31-20 ("EO N-31-20") regarding the California WARN Act (Lab. Code §§ 1400, et seq.).  EO N-31-20 is often inaccurately described as suspension of the entire California WARN Act.  However, the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, and the Employment Development Department clarified that EO N-31-20 only suspended the sixty (60) day notice requirement if an employer still provides written notice and satisfies other conditions. Importantly, EO N-31-20's suspension of the sixty (60) day notice requirement expired on June 30, 2021 pursuant to paragraph 6 of Governor Newsom's June 11, 2021 Executive Order N-08-21.  This means that the 60-day notice requirement will once again be effective for the California WARN Act.  Companies with questions about the applicability of the California WARN Act should contact experienced counsel.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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