Reservists Say War Makes Them Lose Jobs

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Aug 15, 2004 | LARRY MARGASAK -- Associated Press Writer

[Willie Green]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Increasing numbers of National Guard and Reserve troops who have returned from war in Iraq and Afghanistan are encountering new battles with their civilian employers at home. Jobs were eliminated, benefits reduced and promotions forgotten.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Labor Department reports receiving greater numbers of complaints under a 1994 law designed to give Guard and Reserve troops their old jobs back, or provide them with equivalent positions. Benefits and raises must be protected, as if the serviceman or servicewoman had never left.

Some soldiers, however, are finding the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act can't protect them.

[Happy2BMe]

"We have gone from Chesty Puller to bong puller in one genration."

______________________

My sons are ass kickers 24/7.

W

"I had made it clear to the world that either you're with us or you're with the enemy, and that doctrine still stands"

The "Anti - - Anti-war" Wave. What Should It Be? What Should It Look Like?

What we - those who are ready to fight for freedom - need is a common sign - a gesture - a universal common ground that will be instantly recognizeable anywhere, anytime, and in any storm that may arise - be it peaceful or otherwise.

We need a gesture that will instantly strike waves of national unity, strength, and comfort in the hearts and minds of those who know that "Freedom Is Not Free" and in the same distinct gesture strike utter horror and fear in anyone who wants to take it away from us.

W

The "Anti - - Anti-war" Wave. What Should It Be? What Should It Look Like?

”For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. Thomas Jefferson

[potlatch]

Bump for Dubya!! Hope I don't get it mixed up with my 'Hook em Horns' sign, LOL.

[Smartass]

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[potlatch]

OOH, that's a great one SmartA. Registered's, I see. I got behind and had missed seeing this one!

The 'fingers' send a whole message, don't they!!

[potlatch]

Seen Merchant Seaman anywhere? I heard John Kerry once rescued him in 'Nam.

LOL, I could see Kerry saying that but I think I found him...

Just cruising around out there.......

[Smartass]

It sure does. I found that about twenty minutes ago of GW and Laura Bush. I've been resizing the baby picture that was posted. How can anybody hurt a precious living being like a baby goes beyond comprehension. I just melt when I see a smile like that.

[potlatch]

Was it the one I posted or have some others been posted?

[potlatch]

You will want THIS picture for sure. Read the message of the fingers in SmartAss' post63.

[Smartass]

Yes it was the one you posted earlier. It's beautiful, and I just couldn't resist kidnapping it. LOL..Your going to have call in an Amber alert!

[Smartass]

When you get a chance, check out this site...
Registered Media

[potlatch]

Thanks, I've gone there before but I bookmarked it this time. He does some beautiful things, as long as they're real!!

[Smartass]

It's a great source of political pics. I love that baby picture Potlatch. Talk about a picture being worth a thousand words...that's it.

[M0sby]

You are sounding like an ass...

1) Talking about the "poor LITTLE wife and kids at home".
I am one of those POOR LITTLE WIVES AT HOME..and we did not complain one bit...it was a tough year ( husband left when the little one was 5 WEEKS old and the big one was 3 years old) BUT WE WERE SO PROUD!!!


2) And working as a checkout clerk at Kroger...
Does it matter where one works as long as they do a job well? Should they think, "Oh well, I've lost my livelihood after giving up a year or more for my country?" I guess I will use my Iraqi Freedom Medal to make the next house payment.

3) Being surprised that their jobs are not held open for an indefinite amount of time....
OF COURSE one would be expecting their job back...or they likely would not be able to be in the reserves at all.

4) Not just a second income and a GI BILL?
If you think that this is the reason that reservists sign up, you need to talk to some more of them. And do you have ANY idea what the second income is? Any at all? My husband is an E-8 (Second HIGHEST enlisted rank that there IS...23 years of service...)our "SECOND INCOME" is about $5,000 per year...
Furthermore, do you have ANY IDEA what the VA LOAN GETS YOU? Any idea? It gets you a guarantee to your lender that the first $189K of your home loan is insured by the VA. SO you don't have to pay any Mortgage insurance...it is no MAGIC HOUSE PURCHASING TOOL!

5) The can get an active duty job if they lose their civilian job...
Right....Oh yeah, there are SO MANY jobs open for an Active duty MSgt. They are just SCREAMING for them in Bothell, WA (and before you tell me that we should MOVE to get one of these jobs, don't forget that the civilian job was GUARUNTEED BY LAW to be around when the reservist returned!)

6) Surprised that they are being deployed.
Surprised??? Where do ya get THAT ONE? We knew FOR MONTHS that my husband would be deployed...we just didn't know when. He would have volunteered too, but if you volunteer your employer DOES NOT have to keep your job open.

Who the hell do you think you are making these assertions about our Reservists?

AND AS FAR AS YOU THANKING ALL SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY....IF THIS IS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS US, YOU CAN KEEP YOUR THANKS...

[M0sby]

Yeah, they just don't get paid when they get back..UNLESS THEY HAVE A JOB...
And last time I checked...their is no UNEMPLOYMENT for leaving active duty...
Also pretty rough to job search from IRAQ!

[RaceBannon]

I remember hearing of some law guaranteeing them employment, what happened here?

Also, I was told, by my boss, that when I left for the USMC, they were required to re-hire me at my position with all raises and promotions when I returned, but only once!

Maybe that is the cath, it has to be your first enlistment or something.

[MeekOneGOP]

[Leatherneck_MT]

Oohra

[M0sby]

Ping to you

[M0sby]

Ping to some Canteen Regulars