Key thresholds
Employer minimum
25employees
↓ Lower than federal (100)
Notice required
30days
↓ Less than federal (60 days)
Employee threshold
25+
AND 33% of workforce
Look-back window
90days
Rolling aggregation period
Key nuances for Iowa
Lower thresholds than federal on all dimensions: 25+ employer minimum (vs. 100), 25+ employees affected OR 33% of workforce, and only 30-day notice required.
How Iowa differs from federal WARN
| Factor | Federal WARN | IA |
|---|---|---|
| Employer minimum | 100+ employees | 25+ employees |
| Notice required | 60 days | 30 days |
| Employee threshold | 50+ AND 33%, or 500+ | 25+ AND 33% |
| Covers part-time | No (20+ hrs/wk only) | No |
| Mandatory severance | No | No |
| Safe harbors | Faltering company, Unforeseeable business circumstances, Natural disaster | Same as federal |
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify with qualified employment counsel before a reduction in force.
People Plan
Automate WARN compliance for your next RIF
People Plan checks federal and all state thresholds as you build your selection, flags obligations before you finalize, and generates compliant notice letters — including Iowa.