Today is Veterans Day.  First and foremost, I want to thank all of our veterans for their service to this country.

For employers, there are a whole host of laws that employers must be aware of when dealing with veterans and servicemembers.

First, I’ve often covered USERRA — Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  What is it?

As recapped by the U.S. Department of Labor:

USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of the active and Reserve components of the U.S. armed forces. USERRA provides that returning service-members must be promptly reemployed in the same position that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority.

It’s scope and remedial protection for employees is broad so for employers who have USERRA questions, it’s best to talk with your counsel or some experience professionals about what your obligations are under the statute.

Second, to that end, the USDOL has a number of online resources about USERRA including a online class. You can find all those resources here.

Third, some employers — federal contractors — have certain reporting obligations under a VETS-100 form.  Employers that are subject to those rules can find additional online resources here. 

For employers that have veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs also has a number of resources available.  In particular, there is a “Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service” that assists veterans with disabilities to get the services that they may need to help return to the workforce.

In Connecticut, the government has a detailed Office for Veterans Workforce section with additional resources listed too.\

For additional information about Veterans Day, you can find some of my prior posts here, here, here, and here.