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Florida Employers Sign Support Statements - May 4, 2005
Thomas Hall,
assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs,
center, and Army Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, chief of the
National Guard Bureau, along with other representatives
observe statement of support signing by Florida
employers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 28 for their
employees who are members of the reserve component.
| | The companies
are Baptist Health South Florida, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.,
Wachovia Securities, Office Depot, Comprehensive Health Services,
Sprint, Broward County Sheriff's Office, Landstar System Inc. and
Ryder System Inc.
The statement of support confirms that the employers:
- Signed a statement of support publicly demonstrating their
support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and
Reserve;
- Reviewed their Human Resources policies to ensure compliance
with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights
Act;
- Promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively
manage their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;
- Adopted polices and programs that are above and beyond what is
required by USERRA; and
- Are advocates for employee service in the National Guard and
Reserve and will help to promote the mission of Employer Support
to the Guard and Reserve.
"Today, supportive employers are
critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's
National Guard and Reserve units," said Bob Hollingsworth, executive
director for the National Committee for Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve.
"I am asking all of America's employers to review and amended
their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the
Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act law. Many
employers provide above and beyond support with pay differential to
offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits
which complement coverage provided by the military when their
employees are mobilized."
He added that by meeting support criteria, "these patriotic
Florida employers stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve
employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer
their nation's call to defend our way of life. Their personal
sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation."
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DoD agency, was
established in 1972. Its mission is to gain and maintain active
support from all public and private employers for the men and women
of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free
education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of
Guard and Reserve employees.
(Based on a release from the National Committee for Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve.) |