Merck has filed 2 WARN notices in New Jersey, affecting 262 workers total. Filing dates range from Nov 14, 2025 through Feb 20, 2026. Rahway accounts for 100% of affected workers.
Type not specified for 100% of filings.
Merck (known as MSD outside the United States) is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company discovers, develops, and manufactures prescription medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. Merck employs roughly 69,000 people worldwide.
Merck has conducted periodic layoffs tied to drug pipeline shifts, patent expirations, and facility consolidations. The company announced restructuring programs in 2019 and 2024 that included workforce reductions across manufacturing and corporate functions. WARN filings from Merck and its subsidiaries (including Organon, which was spun off in 2021) reflect plant closures and operational realignments.
Merck's biggest modern challenge has been managing the revenue cliff from patent expirations on blockbuster drugs. The company's success with Keytruda, an immunotherapy cancer treatment that became the world's best-selling drug, provided a major revenue replacement. Merck spun off its women's health, biosimilars, and established brands portfolio as Organon in 2021 to sharpen its focus on innovative pharmaceuticals.
Merck is preparing for the eventual loss of Keytruda patent exclusivity (expected around 2028) by investing in its oncology pipeline, vaccines, and animal health business. The company is exploring AI for drug discovery and clinical trial optimization. Facility consolidations and manufacturing restructurings continue as the company repositions its operations.
Last reviewed 2026-04-15If you received a layoff notice from Merck, the WARN Act requires your employer to provide 60 days advance written notice before a mass layoff or plant closing. If your employer gave less than 60 days notice, you may be entitled to back pay and benefits for each day of the shortfall. File for unemployment insurance with your state workforce agency as soon as possible. Review your COBRA options to continue health coverage for up to 18 months. Visit your local America's Job Center for free career counseling and retraining vouchers. These programs exist for exactly this situation.
Apply online at your state workforce agency. You may be eligible before your last day.
Continue your employer health plan for up to 18 months, or compare lower-cost options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Employers with 100 or more employees must give 60 days written notice before mass layoffs or plant closings.
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America's Job Centers offer free career counseling, resume help, interview prep, job search assistance, and retraining vouchers for workers affected by WARN Act layoffs. Ask about Rapid Response services.
All data on this site is sourced from official WARN Act filings published by state workforce agencies. Filings are updated regularly but may not reflect same-day submissions. Coverage varies by state.
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