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VETS News Release: [6/28/2006]
Contact Name: Mike Biddle or Dirk Fillpot
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x5051
Release Number: 06-1058-NAT

Federal Government Cited as ‘Model Employer’ in Supporting National Guard and Reserve Employees

Historical First: Entire Presidential Cabinet Signs in Support of National Guard and Reserves

WASHINGTON — U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced an initiative signed by all cabinet secretaries and the heads of federal agencies pledging to protect the jobs and benefits of their National Guard and Reserve employees. Secretary Chao was the first non-defense cabinet member to sign the statement of support as part of an initiative that began last October and concludes at today's ceremony.

"This is the first document in U.S. history that has been signed by all the members of a President's Cabinet in support of the National Guard and Reserves," said Secretary Chao. "This is an historic and sweeping pledge to support our Guard and Reserve — not only during deployments but also in the training that prepares them to answer the nation's call at a moment's notice."

The statement of support is an initiative of the Defense Department's National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. That organization has more than 3,500 volunteers across the country dedicated to encouraging employers' support for their National Guard and Reserve employees.

The Department of Labor enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which ensures the civilian jobs and benefits of National Guard and Reserve service members while they serve on active duty. The law also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services and applicants to the uniformed services.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nation has had the largest mobilization of citizen-soldiers since World War II, with some 560,000 having been called up and more than 460,000 already transitioned back to civilian life. To ensure the economic security of those who safeguard our national security, Secretary Chao has directed numerous proactive steps to make employers and employees aware of their rights and obligations under USERRA, including:

• Directing the publication of the first-ever rules for enforcing USERRA;
• Having the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service provide USERRA briefings and technical assistance to some 340,000 employers, employees and others; and
• Disseminating radio and TV public service announcements.

More information about USERRA can be obtained by calling 1 (866) 4-USA-DOL or by visiting http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/.

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