Moderna, the biotech giant behind the COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax, has announced a major restructuring that will result in layoffs for more than 800 employees worldwide—a 10% reduction in its global workforce. While the company has not disclosed how many cuts will affect U.S.-based or California-based employees, workers across the country are understandably concerned.
Here’s what you need to know if you work for Moderna—or in a similarly situated biotech or pharmaceutical company—and what this could mean for your rights.
Why Is Moderna Cutting Jobs?
Moderna’s blockbuster COVID-19 vaccine generated billions in revenue during the pandemic, but demand has since plummeted. In a July 2025 investor update, the company revealed that revenue is down sharply, its new RSV vaccine is underperforming, and expenses remain too high to sustain its current headcount.
In response, Moderna announced:
- A 10% global workforce reduction, from ~5,800 to under 5,000 employees.
- A plan to cut $1.5 billion in annual operating expenses by 2027.
- A refocus on innovation, especially in oncology and combination vaccines.
CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized that the company had tried to avoid job cuts, but they were necessary to “align our business for the long term.”
What Rights Do Workers Have During Biotech Layoffs?
While Moderna has not confirmed which offices or states are affected, California employees have special protections—particularly under the California WARN Act.
Under the law:
- Employers with 75+ employees must provide 60 days’ written notice before mass layoffs, relocations, or terminations.
- A “mass layoff” means 50+ employees being let go within a 30-day period at a single site.
- Failure to provide proper notice can result in back pay, penalties, and more.
Even if you’re part of a smaller cut or work remotely, you may still be entitled to notice, final wages, severance, and reimbursement for unused PTO.
Life Science Employees: You’re Not Alone
This isn’t just about Moderna. The entire biotech and pharmaceutical industry is entering a post-pandemic contraction phase. From Gilead to Pfizer, companies that rapidly scaled during COVID-19 are now downsizing.
If you’re a scientist, technician, project manager, quality analyst, or support staff who was let go or forced to resign, you may have claims worth exploring, including:
- WARN Act violations
- Age or disability discrimination, if older workers were disproportionately affected
- Retaliation, if you previously raised concerns about safety, compliance, or working conditions
What About California Employees?
Moderna has offices and research partnerships across the U.S., but details on California layoffs have not been confirmed. We are monitoring public records and WARN notices closely. If you were laid off from a California facility, clinical site, or remote position, contact us to understand whether:
- Proper notice was given
- You were targeted unfairly
- You are owed unpaid wages, commissions, or bonuses
Don’t Sign a Severance Agreement Without Legal Review
Many companies ask workers to sign separation agreements that waive your right to sue in exchange for a modest payout. Before you sign anything, consult an experienced employment attorney. You may be entitled to much more.
We Represent Laid-Off Professionals in Biotech and Life Sciences
At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals in life sciences, healthcare, and tech recover compensation after unfair layoffs. Whether you were cut by Moderna or another employer, we can evaluate your claims—confidentially and at no upfront cost.
Contact Us Today
We represent employees who are ready to fight back. Call now or schedule a confidential consultation.
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