Strauss Borrelli PLLC, a leading class action law firm, is investigating Willamette Falls Paper Company regarding its recent mass layoff in West Linn, Oregon, for possible violations of the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“WARN”) Act. The WARN Act is a federal law that requires certain employers to notify their employees, in writing, at least 60 days before a plant closing or mass layoff takes effect. As a result, we believe Willamette Falls Paper Company employees may be entitled to sixty days of severance pay and benefits.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On August 6, 2024, Willamette Falls Paper Company sent a WARN Act notice letter to Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission Dislocated Worker Unit stating that it planned to implement a mass layoff of employees on August 9 and potentially close the plant entirely on August 30. Impacted in this layoff, are 158 of the 223 total employees or just over 70% of the workforce at the plant. It states in the letter that if not enough capital is raised, it will continue to have more layoffs between August 9 – 30. Employees were made aware of the layoffs just three days before the first scheduled layoff was to take place. The federal law, known as, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, requires covered employers to provide 60 days’ prior written notice to employees, their representatives, and certain government parties in the event of a mass layoff or plant closing. However, Willamette Falls Paper Company failed to provide at least 60 days’ notice before laying off 70% of the workforce and therefore potentially violating the WARN Act.
ABOUT WILLAMETTE FALLS PAPER COMPANY:
Willamette Falls Paper Company is a mill located in West Linn, Oregon that has been making paper in that area for nearly 130 years. It manufactures coated and uncoated papers that are used in catalogs, magazines, commercial printing and envelopes. The mill operates three paper machines that can make coated, C1S, and uncoated book and envelope grades with the potential capacity of 260,000 tons.1 The plant had previously closed in October 2017, citing “unforeseeable events” that reduced availability of pulp for the making of paper. This shutdown cost 250 millworkers their jobs.2
If you or someone you know were laid off by Willamette Falls Paper Company:
We would like to speak with you about your rights and potential legal remedies. Please fill out the form below or contact us at 872.263.1100 or sam@straussborrelli.com.
