(a) Employees affected by a plant closing must be given permanent preference in hiring and employment at other work places of the employer. Any employee who is so rehired or employed must be granted seniority as determined on the date of termination of employment.
(b) The Commissioner shall establish a program to provide affected employees employment assistance, training, and related employment services including:
(1) Job search assistance;
(2) Job development;
(3) Training in job skills;
(4) Supportive services including commuting assistance, day care for dependents, and financial, career, and personal counseling;
(5) Pre-layoff assistance;
(6) Relocation assistance;
(7) Mediation services or other programs conducted in cooperation with employers or labor organizations to provide early intervention in the event of major business closures; and
(8) Assistance under applicable sections of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”) 29 U.S.C. 2001 et seq., and other federal assistance.