Under the WARN Act, what constitutes a covered plant closing?

A covered plant closing under the WARN Act is defined specifically as a situation where there is a significant workforce reduction associated with the closure of a facility. This act is designed to protect employees by requiring employers to provide advance notice (typically 60 days) about plant closings and mass layoffs, thereby providing workers and their families time to prepare for the transition.

In the context of the WARN Act, a "significant workforce reduction" typically means a reduction in the workforce of 50 or more employees at a single site of employment, which qualifies as a major event that requires notification. Such closures can have profound implications for employees, affecting their job stability and financial security.

The other options do not meet the criteria for a covered plant closing under the WARN Act. A temporary layoff lasting less than 30 days does not qualify, as it does not represent a permanent cessation of work. Similarly, a facility closure for renovations does not meet the act's requirements either, because it indicates that the facility will reopen once renovations are complete. Lastly, a decrease in work hours without layoffs may affect employees but does not necessarily constitute a closing; therefore, it falls outside the scope of the WARN Act's provisions.