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.)