The U.S. Department of Labor has announced regulations, published December 19, 2005, in the Federal Register, interpreting the law that protects employment and reemployment rights and benefits of service members upon their return to civilian life. This is the first time since its passage in 1994 that the Department of Labor has developed regulations to explain and clarify the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA). The department's action is the latest in a series of proactive steps taken to ensure job security for the largest group of mobilized National Guard and Reserve service members since World War II. USERRA prohibits discrimination against past and present members of the uniformed services and establishes reemployment rights for service members who want to return to the jobs they held prior to service.
The new regulations, drafted in an easy-to-read, question-and-answer format, explain how USERRA protects against discrimination and retaliation because of military service; prevents service members from suffering disadvantages due to performance of their military obligations, and affords them ample time to report back to jobs following completion of their service obligations.
For additional information on this and other HR topics, consult CCH Human Resources Management or Personnel Practices/Communications.
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