ESGR Ombudsmen provide a range of services to Employers and Service Members
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Ombudsman Program provides information and informal mediation to Service Members who have questions or experience problems in the relationship between their military service and civilian employment. Service Members have certain responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and, in return, receive rights that protect their employment status and recognize their military obligations.
Often the informal mediation of ESGR ombudsmen can preserve the employment relationship. Since the ombudsman cannot order the employer to take any action, the success of the mediation process depends upon creating an understanding of the law and how it applies in a given situation. Ombudsmen are trained to explain how USERRA applies to both parties. By using an educational approach, the ombudsman is able to demonstrate the steps needed for compliance, and how this will avoid a formal investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service.
Issues examined by ESGR ombudsmen cover the entire range of employment, from military leave and prompt reinstatement to preserving pension and healthcare rights. Ombudsmen operate under strict time limits set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding between ESGR and DOL/VETS. This serves to protect the rights of the Service Member by preventing delays in resolving the situation.
Service Members are encouraged to utilize the ESGR Ombudsman program. The process is simple to start. Cases can be filed online at www.esgr.mil or by calling the National ESGR Call Center at 1-800-336-4590. The call center staff assigns cases based upon the location of the employer. All information is kept confidential, in compliance with the DoD Privacy Act. Employers may also call the Center to inquire about their responsibilities.
