N.J. considers expanding layoff-notification law

An N.J. Assembly committee has advanced a measure that would close loopholes in the law requiring companies to give workers 60 days advance notice of mass layoffs.

The law enacted four years ago deals with layoffs at a single location. The proposed change would require the 60-day notice for widespread job cuts by a company at multiple sites.

Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, one of the primary sponsors of the bill, said Monday that getting a last-minute notice is disruptive.

“What we’re trying to do here is give the residents of the state of New Jersey an opportunity to get themselves together to be prepared for this life-changing layoff,” he said. “We’re want to ensure their stability as we try to rebound New Jersey’s economy.”

The Assembly Labor Committee approved the measure by a vote of 5-to-2. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson said he opposed it because the advance notice could result in talented workers departing quickly and jeopardize the ability of some companies to stay in business.