Posted on Mar 1, 2016
WO1 All Source Intelligence
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If you have contacted USERRA, how did it work out?
I have been given grief and had other difficulties with my current civilian employer previously and anticipate more issues when I return from my current orders.
A former employer attempted to fire me for enlisting, but HR knew about USERRA and set that boss straight.
I like my job so I struggle with what is right and what is best for my career.
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SFC Senior Training Nco
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A few years ago, I was out on orders that lasted about 10 weeks. My civilian job automatically paid my vacation time.

Because I always check my deposit statements online, I called from my duty location and asked about the second paystub. My normal pay is direct deposit. I had two stubs, but only one deposit.

The next day, management called me back and told me that vacation pay is paid automatically when service members go on orders. I told them it was illegal, but I let it go.

Once I returned to work, I still had not received the money. I asked about it every payday for the next two years. Finally once two years had passed, management informed me it was too far in the past to correct.

So, knowing USERRA complaints have no statute of limitations, filed a complaint with USERRA.

I had copies of everything: Warno that I was going on orders, emails where I notified my company, my orders showing report and end dates, etc.

One copy went with my USERRA complaint, and a second copy went to my employer. I had my money in two days. USERRA actually had not started yet. I had spoken to a gentleman from the Department of Labor, but no action had been taken yet.

I suppose the thought of the Feds looking into practices is enough to get them back on track. Also, the policy of automatically paying vacation time ended.
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WO1 All Source Intelligence
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Wow, good thing you kept copies of everything! Thank you for sharing your experience.
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SSG Leo Bell
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That's is not right what your boss is trying to do. He can't not fire you for joining the military reserve or guard unit. That is against federal government policies I do believe. Contact your unit to see what information they can give you first or a recruiter can lead you in the right direction. Good luck.
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WO1 (Join to see)
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When I first enlisted, the boss I had told me he was going to fire me for it, then he called HR and the head of HR (normally a quiet man) yelled at him not to say anything of the sort to me. I ended up leaving that job for a better career opportunity, but I have had issues with my current job and am interested in learning of others experiences they have had with USERRA whether positive or negative.
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SSG Leo Bell
SSG Leo Bell
9 y
I had that experience once when I first enlisted while I was working in Idaho. They supported me in joining the military. When I was going to school to finish my education I was working all grave yard shifts. I couldn't get my homework done and had to be in school in the afternoon. After school I went home to sleep for a few hours then it was up to work till eight in the morning. It was very hard. I dealt with it for a month or two then I quit because it was more important for me to finish school and be in the military full time. I picked up a job during the day that didn't pay as well but I only had to do that for two months then I was gone.
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