No Massachusetts statute requires severance pay. When an employer offers it, the money is consideration for a signed release of claims, and the release is governed by federal waiver-timing rules, the Wage Act, and the noncompete statute.
California’s WARN Act requires 60 days’ written notice before a mass layoff of 50 or more employees at a site with 75 or more workers. Who receives notice, what it must say, the two statutory exceptions, and what a missed notice costs an employer.
California severance pay is voluntary, and the payment is consideration for a release of claims. What the release covers, which clauses state law voids, and how the review and revocation windows run.