Uniformed Services Employment and Remployment Rights Act of 1994, As Amended

The Veterans Employment and Training Service VETS or the Agency issued proposed rules implementing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended USERRA. This document sets forth the Agencys review of and response to comments on the proposal and any changes made in response to those comments. Congress enacted USERRA to protect the rights of persons who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service. USERRA authorizes the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Secretary of Defense to prescribe rules implementing the law as it applies to States, local governments, and private employers. VETS proposed rules under that authority in order to provide guidance to employers and employees concerning their rights and obligations under USERRA. There are five subparts to these regulations. Subpart A gives an introduction to the USERRA regulations. Subpart B describes USERRAs anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation provisions. Subpart C explains the steps that must be taken by a uniformed service member who wants to return to his or her previous civilian employment. Subpart D describes the rights, benefits, and obligations of persons absent from employment due to service in the uniformed services, including rights and obligations related to health plan coverage. Subpart E describes the rights, benefits, and obligations of the returning veteran or service member. Subpart F explains the role of the Department of Labor in enforcing and giving assistance under USERRA. These regulations implement USERRA as it applies to States, local governments, and private employers. Separate regulations published by the Federal Office of Personnel Management implement USERRA for Federal executive agency employers and employees.