Reduction in Force (RIF), Mass Layoff, Site or Branch Closing

Reduction in Force (RIF) is a valid business reason for an employer to discharge its employees. Certain circumstances make it financially necessary for an employer to decrease the volume of its staff, and the law does not prevent an employer from taking this type of action. However, it is illegal for an employer to make discriminatory terminations under the guise of a RIF.

Sometimes employers improperly include certain employees in a RIF based solely on their race, rex, national origin, religion, color, age, or disability. Many times a RIF has a disproportionate effect on members of a certain protected class. For example, an employer has a mass layoff through which it terminates solely older employees and keeps younger, less qualified, less experienced individuals on staff.

If you were laid off due to a RIF and think you may be a member of a protected class who was improperly included in the lay-off, contact Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C., today for a free consultation.