Strauss Borrelli PLLC, a leading class action law firm, is investigating Liberated Brands regarding its recent nationwide mass layoff and closure in Costa Mesa, California. 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 Liberated Brands employees may be entitled to sixty days of severance pay and benefits.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On January 8, 2025, Liberated Brands notified the California Employment Development Department of its decision to lay off over 350 employees and close its corporate offices on Costa Mesa, California. 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, Liberated Brands failed to provide at least 60 days’ notice before laying off 362 employees and therefore potentially violating the WARN Act.
ABOUT THE WARN ACT:
The WARN Act is a federal law passed in 1988 by Congress that requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide a 60-day notice of significant layoffs or plant closings. This notice gives workers and their families time to prepare for job loss, seek new employment, and pursue training or retraining opportunities. The WARN Act aims to reduce the impact of sudden job loss on workers and communities by ensuring they have sufficient time to transition. Generally, employees must receive a WARN Act notice if they are laid off or if their hours are cut by 50% or more in any six-month period because of a plant closing or mass layoff. It is possible that a temporary layoff may still violate the WARN Act if it ends up lasting longer than six months.
Employers who do not follow the WARN Act rules, either by giving notice too late or providing unclear notices, may have to pay employees back pay and benefits for the time they were in violation.
If you or someone you know were laid off from Liberated Brands. 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
ABOUT LIBERATED BRANDS:
Liberated Brands, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California is in the sport, outdoor, and lifestyle apparel industry, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries, in over 400 of its company-owned and operated retail stores, and in online stores, including 48 company-owned websites. Based in Costa Mesa, California, it operates regional headquarters in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Its portfolio includes Volcom, Billabong, Quiksilver, Spyder, RVCA, Roxy, Honolua, and Captain Fin.1
If you or someone you know were laid off from Liberated Brands:
We would like to speak with you about your rights and potential legal remedies in response to this data breach. Please fill out the form, below, or contact us at 872.263.1100 or sam@straussborrelli.com.
