OMBUDSMAN

Ted Hischke              
785-233-4477                       

National ESGR
800-336-4590

IMPORTANT
NOTICE

We are available to provide assistance to EMPLOYERS and EMPLOYEES
when questions arise regarding employment, reemployment or benefits due to military service.

The Ombudsmen Services Program was established in 1974 to provide information, counseling, and informal mediation of issues relating to compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The Ombudsmen Services Program provides information, informal mediation, and referral service to resolve employer conflicts. ESGR is not an enforcement agency and does not offer legal counsel or advice. More than 95 percent of all such requests for assistance are resolved in this informal process, without requiring referral to the Department of Labor for formal investigation.

Each of the 54 ESGR Committees (one in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) has trained volunteer Ombudsmen, ready to  assist you. Many of them are local business leaders. Their stature in the community contributes to their effectiveness in mediation.

As an alternative, the National ESGR Headquarters has full-time staff in its Ombudsmen Services Directorate available throughout the business week (see the About ESGR page of the ESGR Web site or use their toll-free number, (800) 336-4590-ask  for Ombudsmen Services).

If you just have a question about the USERRA law, you're likely to find it most quickly in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the ESGR Web site. If you would like to know more about ESGR Ombudsmen Services or would like to examine the entire USERRA law, see the ESGR The Law section .  Questions and concerns do arise, between employers and their employees who are members of the National Guard or Reserve, related to the adverse consequences of military service.

How should you handle them?

For members of the National Guard or Reserve, your first approach should be to go to your employer. Most often, a calm, objective discussion can lead to an acceptable solution if it is conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

If you can't come up with a workable solution, go to your unit commander for advice and support. Even with their focus on mission accomplishment, commanders have a vested, long-range interest in their people. It's best for the unit to resolve your problem. They may be able to better explain the situation to you and your employer. A lot of times, they can suggest compromises or alternatives that will satisfy everyone's needs.

 If these attempts don't succeed, please read the following carefully:

               Important Note. Through the National Committee for Employer Support of
               the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Department of Defense (DoD) works
               hard to obtain and sustain employer and community support for National
               Guard and Reserve members who periodically are absent from their
               civilian jobs to perform military duty. If you have a question about
               employment rights, the experts- DoD, the U.S. Department of Labor
               Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), and ESGR-suggest
               you start by contacting ESGR. This is not only your best option for
               speedy resolution; it protects all your levels of appeal if they are
               needed.

The Kansas Office of Directors, Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DVETs) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, is located in Topeka.  (913-296-5032)

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