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California WARN Act: who is covered and how much notice

California has its own layoff notice law on top of the federal WARN Act. This is what it says, read from the state’s own pages as of 2026-10-27, with the sources.

The rule

Employers with 75 or more full- and part-time employees in the preceding 12 months, for a mass layoff of 50 or more employees in a 30-day period, a plant closure or a relocation. Written notice at least 60 days ahead to affected employees, the Employment Development Department, the local workforce area and the local chief elected official.

How it differs from the federal rule

Lower employer size (75, counting part-time) and it covers relocations of at least 100 miles. From 2026 the notice must say how the employer will support laid-off workers.

This is general information, not legal advice. The federal WARN Act applies in every state as well; see the WARN Act in plain language.

Sources

California WARN Act questions

Does California have its own WARN Act?
Yes. Employers with 75 or more full- and part-time employees in the preceding 12 months, for a mass layoff of 50 or more employees in a 30-day period, a plant closure or a relocation. Written notice at least 60 days ahead to affected employees, the Employment Development Department, the local workforce area and the local chief elected official.
How is California's rule different from the federal WARN Act?
Lower employer size (75, counting part-time) and it covers relocations of at least 100 miles. From 2026 the notice must say how the employer will support laid-off workers.
How many days of notice does California require?
60 days is the longest notice period the state's law sets for the employer's notice. The federal Act requires 60 days, and the federal rule applies in every state.

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