Plant closing - Wisconsin

Summary of difference between federal and state regulations

Wisconsin has a substantial body of law dealing with the administration and coordination of programs and services for workers dislocated due to plant closings or relocations. Employers employing 50 or more workers are covered. At least 60 days prior to a plant closing or mass layoff affecting at least 25 employees, except in the case of plant closing or layoffs, written notice must be given to certain state and governmental agencies.

Some plant closings or mass layoffs fall under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). Under WARN, employers are required to provide 60 days’ advance notice of covered plant closings and mass layoffs, notify the affected workers or their representatives, and the appropriate governmental units. See WARN for more information.

WARN does not preempt any other federal, state, or local law, or any employer/employee agreement that requires other notification or benefit. Rather, the rights provided by WARN supplement those provided by other federal, state, or local laws.

State

Contact

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Regulations

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 109, §109.01 Definitions.

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 109, §109.07 Mergers, liquidations, dispositions, relocations or cessations of operations affecting employees; advance notice required.

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 109, §109.12 Rules and report.

Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 111, §111.322 Discriminatory actions prohibited.

Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter DWD 279, Rules 279.001 – 279.13

Federal

Contact

U.S. Department of Labor; Employment and Training Administration Office of Adult Services; Division of Adults and Dislocated Workers

Regulations

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN):
29 USC §2101 et seq.; 20 CFR 639