Outback Steakhouse reduction in hours to affect 71 Joplin employees

Outback Steakhouse officials say they have not fired any employees and have no plans to do so, but they are drastically reducing the hours of all of their employees, including the 71 at their restaurant at 3110 E. 36th Street in Joplin.

The announcement was made in a WARN Act filing with the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development posted today on the department's website.








The filing was made because company officials felt "the sudden and unexpected reduction in hours could constitute a layoff within the meaning of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and related state laws if it continues.

The affected employees were to be notified by e-mail or mail this week, according to the notice.

The company is doing the same thing nationwide, including at its Springfield restaurant at 2760 S. Glenstone Avenue. Eighty workers will be affected at that facility.