ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced Optical Academy CEO Abby Ayoub signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve Sept. 26.
The signing took place at the Atlantic City Convention Center, during the Garden State Council Society for Human Resource Management, commonly known as SHRM, annual conference with more than 700 in attendance.
The Statement of Support confirms Optical Academy joins other employers in pledging:
We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units” said Don Tretola, ESGR state chair “I am asking all New Jersey employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees. Many New Jersey employers provide support above and beyond what is required by law by offering 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.”
“Optical Academy joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Don Tretola. “By signing the Statement of Support, Abby Ayoub is sending a clear message to the employees of Optical Academy that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the Department of Defense.
For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.