Reduction in Force (RIF) Action Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio

Last updated on December 23, 2025

A reduction in force, also known as RIF actions, happens when an employer terminates an employee for business reasons. These can include the employee’s position being eliminated, budgetary concerns or other business needs. RIF actions may affect a large group of employees or only one employee.

A RIF often comes with many uncertainties for employees about their future employment, finances and the loss of medical coverage. If you have lost your job in a Columbus layoff, our RIF action lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC can provide legal guidance and advice.

Employers Should Use Objective Selection Criteria to Determine Which Employees Will Be Subject to a RIF

When employers embark on RIF actions, they are required to use objective and measurable criteria as much as possible. This includes determining which employees to lay off, as well as the number of employees to let go. If an employee belongs to a union, other criteria such as seniority may be used. If an employee believes they are being laid off because of unlawful discrimination or as retaliation, they may report the employer to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

What Are the Reduction in Force Laws in Ohio?

Under Ohio’s at-will employment doctrine, an employee can be terminated with or without notice and with or without cause, subject to a few exceptions.

The Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) outlines certain requirements and notices that must be provided when employees are laid off. For example, when more than 50 employees are affected, employers must provide employees affected by the action with 60 days’ written notice.

What Is Ohio’s Mini-WARN Act?

Ohio recently enacted its own law, often called the Mini-WARN Act, to supplement the federal WARN Act. This new law requires certain employers to give their employees and the community advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff. It also broadens the information employers must include in the notice such as details on unemployment benefits and other support services.

The goal of both the state and federal WARN laws is to give you and your family time to prepare for the loss of your job. This time allows you to look for new work, seek retraining or explore other options. An employment lawyer can review your situation to determine if the employer is in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

What Should You Do if Your WARN Rights Are Violated?

When facing a Reduction in Force (RIF), you have rights under the federal WARN Act and Ohio’s Mini-WARN Act. If you believe your WARN rights have been violated, here are specific steps you should take immediately:

• Review your termination notice and company documents: Check the layoff letter for the exact date of your job loss and see if your employer mentions the WARN Act.
• Keep a detailed record of everything: Document all communications, including emails and notices from your employer regarding the layoff.
• Gather evidence of any violations: Note the total number of people laid off and the date the employer gave the first notice to anyone.
• Do not delay in contacting a lawyer: Federal and state laws have short time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing WARN claims.

Violating state and federal RIF laws can make an employer financially liable to affected employees. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our experienced labor and employment lawyers can evaluate your case to determine if your employer violated your rights and assess what kind of compensation you may be owed.

How Can a Columbus RIF Attorney Help You with Your Case?

An RIF employment law attorney can be a crucial advocate for an employee facing a layoff. This is especially true if the RIF was used to mask illegal discrimination or workplace retaliation. There are several ways an RIF attorney can help you with your case. These include:

• Evaluating your claims: A lawyer can analyze the details of the RIF, including the selection criteria, to determine if the layoff was based on a legally protected characteristic or in retaliation for a protected activity.
• Review severance agreements: They can review any severance package or agreement offered by the employer, ensuring you understand the terms, your rights, and any claims you would be waiving by signing.
• Negotiate better terms: An attorney can negotiate for improved severance pay, an extension of benefits or favorable nondisclosure or noncompete clauses.
• Advise on legal options: If discrimination or a legal violation, like a WARN Act notice failure, is suspected, they can lay out your options, which may include filing a complaint with a government agency or pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit.

With decades of combined experience, our attorneys at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC have dedicated their careers to protecting the rights of Ohio employees. They can help you assess your options, discuss your possible legal claims and answer your questions during this uncertain time.

Our Ohio RIF Action Lawyers Are Ready to Help

It is a sad reality of business, but sometimes RIF actions are necessary. When they are, it is important that they are done properly and comply with the law. When you need help with your RIF action, call our Columbus employment lawyers at 614-762-9727.

We can help you sort things out and advise on the best way to proceed if you are subject to a RIF. You can also contact us by sending a message through our online form. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you with your case.