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Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Amendments Act

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 407.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 24, 1994

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Amendments Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act to cover employers of 50 or more employees (currently 100). Covers single-site plant closings or mass layoffs affecting 25 or more employees (currently 500 or more, or 50 or more if this comprises one-third of the workers at the site). Eliminates the single-site requirement for plant closings or mass layoffs affecting 100 or more employees, thus covering such closings or layoffs by one employer regardless of the number of sites involved. Specifies that the 90-day aggregate rule covers all related layoffs within that period, whether or not they are each above or below the threshold levels. Extends coverage to part-time employees. (Sec. 3) Revises the notice period based on the number of employees affected: (1) 25-49, 30 days; (2) 50-99, 60 days; and (3) 100 or more, 90 days. (The current period is 60 days.) Requires employer notice to each affected employee (as well as to the employee representative, if there is one). (Sec. 4) Revises and adds enforcement requirements. Adds to employer liability for violations: (1) interest on back pay owed; and (2) an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the back pay and interest. Limits a good faith exemption to reduction of liability for interest and for a civil penalty. Allows aggrieved employees to enforce employer liability by bringing suit and/or filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary to investigate and resolve such complaints. Authorizes the Secretary to bring civil actions on behalf of the employee for back pay, interest, benefits, and liquidated damages. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations. (Sec. 5) Requires employers to post notices to employees of pertinent provisions of the Act and information on filing complaints. Establishes fines for willful violations of such posting requirement.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] · D–OH

Committees

    8 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

    A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

    1. Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 407.

    2. Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

    3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3797-3801)

    4. Introduced in Senate

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    Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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