As Reservists and National Guard return after leaving their home and jobs to protect our nation, they need to know that jobs will be available. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Right Act (USERRA) provides special protection for returning service members, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts so that service members can refresh or upgrade their skills so they can qualify for reemployment.
Your rights
USERRA lays out specific rights given to returning service members, including these:
Reemployment rights: You have the right to be reemployed if you leave your civilian job to join the uniformed services and you meet certain requirements.
Freedom from Discrimination and Retaliation: Your participation in the uniformed service ensures that employers cannot deny you initial employment, reemployment, or other benefits of employment.
Health insurance protection: You have the right to continue existing employer health coverage for you and your family for up to 24 months. Even if you do not continue coverage while in the service, you have the right to continue your coverage, usually without waiting periods or exclusions when you return to work.
These rights must be granted by all employers, regardless of their size.
The attorneys at Lear Werts are experienced in helping returning service members regain employment and associated benefits. We understand the enforcement system for USERRA, and we know how to file claims to get the best results in the quickest time possible.
If you believe you are experiencing any form of discrimination because you left civilian employment to fight for our country, contact the Missouri employee rights lawyers at 573-875-1991 (or toll free 877-875-1991), or contact us online to arrange for a complementary consultation about your situation.