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 is headed to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for her signature. The bill recently unanimously passed both the House and the Senate.
"The honorable men and women who are risking their lives to fight for our freedom should not have to worry about whether they will have a job when they come home," said Espinoza, who served as a U.S. Army squad leader in Vietnam as part of a distinguished military career. "We must make sure our veterans have the smoothest transition back into civilian life as possible, and that includes getting back to work so they can support their families."
Currently, state law requires employers to keep servicemembers' civilian jobs open for just 15 days once they get home from active duty. The plan by Espinoza and Barcia extends that for up to 90 days.
The plan 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 requires that reemployment be in a comparable position with comparable pay.
"This is a tremendous demonstration of support and respect on behalf of our state for our courageous veterans," Barcia said. "My colleagues and I care deeply about the welfare of our veterans and their families. These young men and women should be praised, not penalized, upon return from honorably serving their country."