The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): What Matters in Protecting Our Service Members’ Employment Rights

USERRA encourages service in the uniformed services by eliminating or minimizing the disadvantages to civilian careers and employment which can result from such service. The Act seeks to minimize disruption to the lives of persons performing such service, as well as to their employers, their fellow employees, and their communities by providing for the prompt reemployment of such persons upon their completion of such service. The law prohibits discrimination against persons because of their service in the uniformed services.  USERRA also prohibits retaliation against both persons seeking protections under the Act, and any other persons assisting such persons seeking protections, even if they lack status in the uniformed services.

Learning Objectives:

• Familiarization and understanding of USERRA for decision-makers considering USERRA-related questions and for professionals providing USERRA advice and counsel to employers.
• How to provide advice and counsel to veterans and uniformed service members as employees.
• The process for the filing of a USERRA complaint, VETS' role in the investigation of such complaints, and the potential referral of such complaints to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel.