1 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Arkansas Public Transportation Conference Presented by Richard Green, CMSgt (Ret.) ESGR Administrative Support Technician

2 Vision & Mission Statement Vision Develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Mission Statement We will gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through informal mediation.

3 ESGR Mission  Advocate for RC employers within DoD  Educate & Train Soldiers and Airman on their employment responsibilities and rights and provide programs for Employers  Ombudsman Support  Provide information, informal mediation and referral service to resolve employer/employee conflicts

Importance of Employer Relations  Helps Maintain Critical Balance FAMILY Concerns = MILITARY Retention EMPLOYER = Concerns RC Member

5 Employer Feedback Lack of knowledge of USERRA (law) Greatest impact is absence of key personnel Employers’ biggest concerns: Lack of predictability Duration of mobilizations Source: Cybernetica Consulting, 2005

6 Eligibility to Join the Guard & Reserve Year Old Men & Women Eligible Criminal, Drugs, Moral Education, Test Scores, Fitness

7 Top Ten Reasons To Hire Guard & Reserve Members 10. Global Perspective 9. On Time, All The Time 8. First-Class Image 7. Calm Under Fire 6. “Can-Do” Attitude

8 Top Ten Reasons To Hire Guard & Reserve Members 5. Physical Conditioning 4. Mission-Critical Skills 3. Responsibility 2. Professionalism The Number One Reason to Hire A Guard or Reserve Member:

9 Top Ten Reasons To Hire Guard & Reserve Members The Number One Reason is LEADERSHIP

10 USERRA The Law  Overview  Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (Title 38, Chapter 43, United States Code)  Provides employment and reemployment rights for service members, enforced by DOL  Applies to all members of the uniformed services in a federally funded status  Does not apply to Guard members on State active duty, self-employed individuals, partners or students

11 USERRA  Service Member’s Requirements  Provide prior notice to employer  Serve under honorable conditions  Return to work in a timely manner

12 Service Members’ Responsibilities  All RC Members  Keep unit and employer informed  Know USERRA rights and requirements  Know how to resolve an employment issue  Recognize supportive employers  RC Commanders/Leaders  Develop a unit employer support program

13 USERRA  Service Member’s Rights  Military leave of absence  Prompt reinstatement back into your job (Same Seniority, Status & Pay)  Accumulation of seniority as if you never left  Immediate reinstatement of health insurance  Training or retraining of skills as necessary  Protection against discharge

14 Ombudsmen Support  ESGR volunteers who help RC members resolve employer related problems  Provide information and answer questions  Serve as an advocate for RC members  Resolve over 95% of cases received

15 Employer Awards  Patriot Award  Awarded to an employer who has been supportive of the Guard and Reserve  RC members can nominate their employer for this award on line at

16 Employer Awards  Freedom Award  Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to the top 15 employers nationwide  Categories include; small companies large companies and municipal/gov’t  Arkansas Recipients: Tyson Foods Wal-Mart Baptist Health

Statement of Support 17

18 KEYS TO SUCCESS Cooperation Communication Education For The Future Of Our Reserve Forces and the Defense of our Country

19 How You Can Help Be familiar with your employee’s military service, unit & commanders Insure supervisors and employees are communication and cooperating Be familiar with USERRA Consider becoming a Volunteer Always involve ESGR Office

20 Closing Keys to Success: Cooperation, Communication, Education For the Future of our Reserve Forces and the Defense of our Country Thank you So Very Much for Your Support & Understanding You Are Patriots to Our Nation QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

21  Web Site:  Phone: (Local) (501)  Contact Info

22 Thank You for Supporting Our Nation’s Defense