(National Federation of Federal Employees)On May 24, 2014 NFFE Local 2200 and USDA Forest Service Human Resources Management (HRM) collectively signed a Statement of Support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The ESGR is an office created by the Department of Defense (DoD) that informs and educates service members of their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). The USERRA, passed in 1994, prohibits civilian employers from discriminating against employees who serve in the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard or any other uniformed service. The ESGR helps facilitate understanding and resolve conflicts between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.
At the signing ceremony, NFFE Local 2200 President Machelle Lang and Acting Deputy Director of HRM Pamela Spearow guaranteed to provide managers with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Citing their appreciation for the uniformed servicemen and women’s leadership, unique skills and service, together HRM and Local 2200 pledged to encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
Exemplifying her support for our country’s service members, Local 2200 President Lang stated, “The Union partnering with HRM management in signing the Statement of Support sends a clear message to our members of the Guard and Reserve that their jobs are protected. We support USERRA for all those who serve as Guard and Reserve employees in times of peace and war, Union and non-union.”
At the luncheon honoring the ESGR, HRM employee, Air National Guard and NFFE-IAM member Oriana Olmendo presented an award to HRM Employee Truth Clark for his outstanding support as a supervisor. Olmendo also awarded the Above and Beyond award to Jennifer Thomas for her superior performance resolving complex military pay and leave issues. This document solidified the respect and appreciation NFFE Local 2200 has for our servicemen and women across the country.