Ohio: Latest State to Add Mini-WARN Act
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APPLIES TO Employers with 100+ Employees in OH |
EFFECTIVE September 29, 2025 |
QUESTIONS? Contact HR On-Call |
Quick Look
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Discussion
Effective September 29, 2025, HB 96 creates a new requirement for Ohio employers to provide 60 days’ advance notice to employees, unions, the State Director of Job and Family Services, and the chief elected official of both the municipal corporation and the county in the event of a mass layoff or plant closing. The new mini-WARN is modeled after the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). It uses the definitions of employer, mass layoff, and plant closing provided in the federal WARN Act. It also requires a 60-day advance written notice period as provided by federal WARN. However, the Ohio Revised Code Section 4113.31 requires the notice to the union to contain:
- The location of the facility affected by the plant closing or mass layoff;
- A detailed statement explaining the reason for the plant closing or mass layoff and whether it will be permanent or temporary;
- The expected date when the plant closing or mass layoff will commence and the anticipated date on which the employees’ employment will cease; and
- The total number of employees affected by the plant closing or mass layoff, including the employees’ job titles or positions and any department or division impacted.
If affected employees do not have an authorized representative, the notice must contain:
- A detailed statement explaining the reason for the plant closing or mass layoff and whether it will be permanent or temporary;
- The expected date when the plant closing or mass layoff will commence and the anticipated date on which the employees’ employment will cease;
- An indication as to whether an affected employee has bumping rights or other reemployment rights under a collective bargaining agreement or a company policy, including any procedures for exercising those rights;
- Information on how affected employees can access unemployment insurance benefits and other assistance programs;
- The name, title, and contact information of an employer representative who can answer questions about the plant closing or mass layoff; and
- Information about any available services for an affected employee, including job placement assistance, retraining programs, or counseling services.
The notice to the required government officials must include:
- A description of any action taken or planned to mitigate the impact of the plant closing or mass layoff, including any efforts to secure alternative employment or training for affected employees;
- The name of each employee organization representing affected employees, and the name and address of the chief elected officer of each organization; and
- A copy of the notice provided to affected employees or their representatives, as applicable.
Action Items
- Consult with legal regarding Ohio and federal WARN notice requirements in the event of a mass layoff or plant closing.
Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser. © 2025 ManagEase