What is Layoff Aversion and Rapid Response?

In most cases of substantial layoff, federal and
California laws - the WARN acts - require that employers give advance notice to their employees that a major layoff is imminent and that their jobs will be affected. While the required legal timeframes and requirements are inadequate, with enough time and goodwill, it may be possible to mobilize public-private resources for an economically viable alternative to downsizing or closing a facility and dislocating workers en mass.

LEARN about the WARN Acts - See a comparison of the CA and federal laws, learn what employers must do and when, and find out whether your employer has filed a WARN notice

GETTING HELP through the State Workforce Investment System

When layoffs cannot be averted, the law provides support for laid-off workers through the Workforce Invetsment Act. State Rapid Response Coordinators can work with you to determine what services the state provides for workers,and what sources of funding are available for workers in transition.

Find a State Rapid Response Coordinator in your area (pdf)

Find a One-Stop Career Center in your area - (pdf) State of CA listing, by county

Find out if you are eligible for TAA (Trade Adjustment Act) funds (pdf)

Get help from the Western Trade Assistance Adjustment Center (pdf)

If you are a California Rapid Response Coordinator, click here for the 2010 Draft Rapid Response Basics Training Guiide.

If you are a Rapid Response Coordinator looking for resources and training, click here.

Facing a layoff or think you soon might be?

For Workers:

Click here for a checklist of things to do now.

For Union Leaders:

What To Do When the Layoff Notice Arrives

How Union Leaders Can Help Displaced Workers

Download The Layoff Aversion and Rapid Response Toolkit for Union Leaders and WIB Representatives - a comprehensive set of resources and guidelines for facing layoffs

For workers facing layoffs

Unemployment Insurance in California (pdf) Applying for unemplyment insurance is FREE through the State of CA. This fact sheet outlines who is eligible for unemployment insurance.

Apply for Unemployment Insurance with the State of CA online - or by phone:

• 800-300-5616 (English)
• 800-326-8937 (Espanol)

California Training Benefits Program (pdf) Details on receiving unemployment insurance while attending a training program.

Labor Resources on Facing Foreclosure