Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

Definition

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that protects the employment and reemployment rights of service members, veterans, and reserve members when they return to civilian jobs after military service. USERRA ensures that these individuals are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to their military service and that they receive the benefits and opportunities they are entitled to. This law also protects them from discrimination and retaliation based on their military service or obligations.

Key Takeaways

1. USERRA protects the employment rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave their civilian jobs to serve in the military, including the reserves and National Guard.
2. Under USERRA, eligible employees are entitled to be reemployed in their civilian job upon return from military service, with the same seniority, status, and pay as if they had never left for military duty.
3. USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on their military service, past or present, and protects veterans from being fired without good cause for a specific time period after being reemployed.

Importance

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is important because it safeguards the employment and reemployment rights of military service members and veterans.

This federal law ensures that those who leave their civilian jobs to serve in the military do not suffer from discrimination or reprisal in their employment due to their service.

USERRA mandates that employers return service members to their former positions, or positions of similar seniority, status, and pay upon the completion of their military duty.

By doing so, USERRA plays an essential role in upholding the rights of those who sacrifice their time, effort, and potentially their lives to protect the nation, while also providing them a stable return to civilian life, financial stability, and career growth opportunities.

Explanation

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) serves as a crucial support system for service members and veterans in securing and maintaining civilian employment. Its primary purpose is to ensure that individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave their civilian jobs to serve in the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to their commitment to national defense.

By providing robust employment rights and protections, USERRA fosters an environment where service members can fulfill their military obligations without the fear of discrimination or loss of employment opportunity in their civilian careers. In order to achieve its purpose, USERRA sets specific guidelines for the reemployment rights of service members, imposing responsibilities upon both employees and employers.

The Act requires that returning service members be reemployed in the same job they would have held had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status, and pay. Additionally, USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants on the basis of their military service or obligations, thereby promoting fair treatment and upholding the rights of uniformed service members.

By advancing these protections, USERRA plays an essential role in facilitating a seamless transition for service members between their military service and civilian careers, fostering a stable and supportive environment for those who serve our nation.

Examples of Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

Example 1:John, a reservist in the United States Army, was employed by a retail company before being called for an overseas deployment. Prior to leaving for his 12-month deployment, he informed the company of his military obligations and followed all the appropriate procedures. Upon returning, John found that the company had hired someone to fill his position, citing the long duration of his absence. However, under USERRA, John is entitled to be reemployed in his previous position, or a comparable one with the same benefits, without any loss of seniority. After asserting his rights through USERRA, John was able to successfully regain his job and receive the appropriate benefits.Example 2:Suzanne, a member of the United States Air Force Reserve, was employed as a manager at a financial institution. Due to her reserve training and weekend drills, she was required to take a few days off from work each month. Her employer became increasingly frustrated with the absences and ultimately let her go, claiming poor performance as the reason. Suzanne filed a claim under USERRA, emphasizing that her absences were due to her military service and asserting her right to be free from discrimination based on her military status. The case was resolved in her favor, and she was reinstated in her position with back pay for the lost time.Example 3:Carlos, a veteran, applied for a job at a technology firm after completing his active duty service. He had a strong background in the field and was well-qualified for the position, but during the interview process, the employer expressed concerns about his potential deployment in the future and decided not to hire him. Feeling that this decision was unfairly influenced by his military background, Carlos filed a claim under USERRA citing employment discrimination based on his veteran status. The case resulted in the technology firm being required to offer him the job and provide additional training to their hiring staff on avoiding employment discrimination against veterans and servicemembers.

FAQ: Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

What is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)?

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that establishes rights and responsibilities for uniformed service members and their civilian employers. USERRA aims to ensure that individuals who serve or have served in the armed forces, reserves, National Guard, or other uniformed services are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to their service.

Who is eligible for protections under USERRA?

Individuals who are part of the armed forces, reserves, National Guard, disaster response personnel, and commissioned officers of the Public Health Service are eligible for protections under USERRA.

What employment and reemployment rights are protected under USERRA?

USERRA provides service members the right to return to their civilian employment after completing military service, training, or other qualified duty. Employers must reemploy these individuals in their former position or an equivalent position with the same status, seniority, and pay. USERRA also covers job retention, protection from discrimination, and benefits.

What are the notice requirements for service members under USERRA?

Service members are required to provide advance written or verbal notice to their employers of upcoming military service, unless military necessity prevents it or if the notice is otherwise impossible or unreasonable. There is no specific time frame for the notice, but as much advance notice as possible is recommended.

How does USERRA handle health insurance coverage?

Under USERRA, individuals are entitled to reinstatement of their employer-based health insurance coverage upon reemployment without any waiting period or exclusion periods. Additionally, service members can opt to continue their employer-based health insurance for themselves and their dependents for up to 24 months during military service.

What should I do if I believe my USERRA rights have been violated?

If you believe your USERRA rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). Alternatively, you can seek the assistance of a private attorney to enforce your rights under USERRA.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Military Leave of Absence
• Reemployment Rights
• Veterans’ Preference
• Discrimination Protection
• Health Insurance Continuation

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Labor – USERRA
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – USERRA
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• U.S. Department of Justice – USERRA Resource Center