A new resource document jointly authored by multiple federal agencies details the protections and resources available to service members and veterans who believe they have been discriminated against in the workplace.
On November 10, 2022, one day before Veterans Day, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division released the document, titled Protections Against Employment Discrimination for Service Members and Veterans.
The resource document provides an analysis that helps determine if federal laws protecting veterans and service members apply to them, how they can assert their rights if these laws apply, and where they can assert their rights. Specifically, the document explains which federal laws protect service members and veterans in the workplace, including the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What does this mean for employers? This resource document is the first of its kind and demonstrates that the federal government is emphasizing protecting veterans and service members from unlawful discrimination in the workplace. Employers should be aware of the laws that protect their employees who are service members or veterans. Furthermore, employers should be aware that the federal government is promoting greater access for service members and veterans to resources explaining the protections they have under federal law and how they can assert their rights. If you have any questions, email the Employers Council Member Experience Team.
#MilitaryRights