Webinar Recording: WARN, Furloughs, and RIFs: Obligations and Best Practices when considering COVID-19 Workforce Reductions

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Is this the time to hold tightly to your current workforce or let some of them go? This remains the No. 1 question on nearly every US employer’s mind. If employees must go, then how? By indefinite furlough? By a plainly announced RIF? With or without WARN notice? With or without severance?

When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, US employers who acted without carefully evaluating their options will face years of legal challenges on top of economic ones. In this webinar, our panel discusses ways to reduce your legal exposure in these unprecedented times.

Topics include:

• What is a furlough, and why are we seeing more of them?
• What are some alternatives to reductions in force?
• What are the types of separations that can trigger WARN, and what are the potential penalties?
• What should be in a WARN notice, and does it differ by state?
• Which states have notably different requirements from federal WARN?
• COVID-19 and the “unforeseeable business circumstance” provision of WARN
• Can an employer do something post-furlough besides a RIF if revenue hasn’t bounced back?
• What does a compliant RIF process look like? Should I run a Disparate Impact Analysis?
• Severance and release best practices
• Welfare and severance benefits under furlough and RIF

Watch the recording below, and register for our upcoming webinars:

COVID-19’s Impact on Public and Private Construction Projects: Best Practices Regarding Claims, Delays and Price Adjustments | April 1

Accessing Small Business Stimulus Dollars Under the CARES Act | April 2

Insurance Coverage for Business Interruption Losses | April 3

This recording is eligible for CLE credit in CA, IL, NY, and NJ. Credit is pending in TX.  All other jurisdictions will be applied for as requested, but please note that not all states allow for distance learning so some states will be ineligible. To request CLE credit, fill out this form and return it to CLE@seyfarth.com.  If you have questions about jurisdictions, please email CLE@seyfarth.com. CLE credit for this recording expires on 3/29/2021.