LANSING – A plan by State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) and State Senator Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) to protect the jobs of Michigan residents returning from active military duty was signed into law Thursday by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. The bill had unanimously passed both the House and the Senate.
"This change in the law will help ease the minds of our armed forces while they are overseas fighting for our freedom, as well as their families back here in Michigan," said Espinoza, who served as a U.S. Army squad leader in Vietnam as part of a distinguished military career. "It's important to make sure our veterans' return home is a positive experience – not a stressful one that endangers their ability to make a living. This plan gives our veterans the right to hold employers accountable when they choose to dishonor the sacrifices that these honorable citizens have made."
Before Barcia and Espinoza fought to change the law, employers were required to keep servicemembers' civilian jobs open for just 15 days once they returned home from active duty. The new law extends that for up to 90 days.
The law also gives servicemembers the right to file a lawsuit in circuit court against employers who refuse to abide by the law. Members of the military may receive reinstatement to their civilian jobs as well as reimbursement of legal fees. In addition, the plan ushered into law by Barcia and Espinoza requires that reemployment be in a comparable position with comparable pay.
"It is important that the state of Michigan show our courageous veterans the same level of support and respect for their service as they are shown by the federal government," Barcia said. "The passage of this bill demonstrates our continued support and commitment to the welfare of our veterans and their families. These young men and women should not be penalized in the workforce upon return from serving their country."