• Even if WARN does not apply, Minnesota law encourages employers that are considering a plant closing, substantial layoff, or moving operations out of state to give early notice to: • DEED • The affected employees • Any union representing those employees • The local government where the business is located This state notice is in addition to any federal WARN notice. Minnesota law directs DEED to run programs that help employers, workers, and communities respond quickly to plant closings and layoffs. These efforts include: • Information and technical assistance for dislocated workers. • Help connecting to public and private services and programs. • Grants to explore alternatives to closing, when possible. The Dislocated Worker Program is funded by a special payroll assessment that is collected with unemployment insurance taxes. Shared Work - Alternative to Layoff Minnesota also offers a Shared Work (work‑sharing) program through the Unemployment Insurance system. • Instead of laying off workers, an employer temporarily reduces hours for a group of employees. • The employees work reduced hours and receive partial unemployment insurance benefits to replace part of their lost wages. This can help you: • Keep trained, experienced staff. • Avoid future hiring and training costs. • Be ready to ramp back up quickly when business improves. BANKRUPTCY NOTIFICATION Under Minnesota law, if your company files for bankruptcy —or if someone else files an involuntary bankruptcy petition against your company—you must notify all employees and all job applicants that this has happened. Failing to provide this notice is a misdemeanor.
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