[1] In 2001, there were about 2,000 mass layoffs and plant closures that were subject to WARN advance notice requirements and that affected about 660,000 employees.

[2] Employees entitled to notice under the WARN Act include managers and supervisors, hourly wage, and salaried workers.

The WARN Act requires that notice also be given to employees' representatives (e.g., a labor union), the local chief elected official (e.g. the mayor), and the state dislocated worker unit.

Employees entitled to advance notice under the WARN Act include managers, supervisors, hourly wage, and salaried workers.

A number of states have laws that create ancillary duties at the time of job layoffs; but which generally do not seek to mandate advance notice or severance payments to workers in a manner similar to the federal WARN Act, other states' statutes, or the laws found in Canadian or European jurisdictions.

Kansas requires the notification of state officials when businesses plan to close facilities or significantly cut production in select industries.

Ohio requires that state unemployment agency officials be notified several days in advance of mass layoffs.

[6] The WARN Act was passed by a Democratic controlled Congress with sufficient Republican support and abstention to achieve the 66% super-majority required to overcome President Ronald Reagan's refusal to sign the Bill.