(WXYZ) — Thousands of Art Van employees learned that they are out of jobs and their benefits have been cut off immediately in letters handed out Thursday, 7 Action News has confirmed.



A company spokesperson confirms that the WARN Act was in place, giving employees the federally required 60 days notice of closing that included continuing pay and benefits.

The workers were set to be paid until May 5. However, the spokesperson says COVID-19 has created a situation where the WARN Act no longer applies.

Art Van stores shut down sales operations on Thursday.

Read the letter sent out to employees below: