ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Other Protections for Workers

Employees who are in the army reserve must attend training camp every year. Is the employer required to give the reservist time off?

Yes. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) requires all employers to grant employees who are in military service unpaid leaves of absence to perform their military obligation. Upon completion of their military duties, employees are entitled to their previous job with such seniority, status, pay, and vacation as if they had not been absent. The reemployment rights granted by this law apply to all types of military service--active or reserve armed forces and National Guard--whether the employee is drafted or enlisted.