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VETS News Release: [10/13/2004]
Contact Name: Jane Norris or Mike Biddle
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x 5051

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Lauds 10th Anniversary of Law Protecting Jobs of National Guard and Reserve Service Members

WASHINGTON—U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today lauded the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Expressing appreciation to the nation's employers who have shown overwhelming support for our troops, Secretary Chao stated, “Although the number of individuals serving on active duty has increased, the rate of USERRA complaints has decreased by nearly 30%. That is because most employers are promptly reinstating service members when they return from military duty and apply for reemployment.”

The Labor Department has recently taken action to make the USERRA law even more understandable or “user friendly” to everyone by publishing proposed regulations. These proposed rules are written in plain English, are comprehensive and provide clear and consistent guidance on how the law applies to employers and employees alike. A newly signed agreement with the Justice Department will strengthen the enforcement of the law against employers who refuse to honor their commitments to our troops.

During a recent visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Secretary Chao announced the first phase of The Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines), a comprehensive new program to provide individualized job training, counseling and re-employment services to each and every veteran seriously injured or wounded in the War on Terrorism. The REALifelines initiative is a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bethesda Naval Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It will create a seamless, personalized assistance network to ensure that seriously wounded and injured service members who cannot return to active duty are trained for rewarding new careers in the private sector.

“These initiatives are yet another example of the Bush Administration's deep commitment to protecting the employment rights of the Guardsmen and Reservists who serve so bravely in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world,” said Secretary Chao. “This anniversary reminds us that our service men and women are doing their part. They should rest assured that we will be there for them when they need us.”

Returning service members can learn more about their rights and employers can learn more about their responsibilities under USERRA by visiting www.dol.gov.

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