What does the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 protect?

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) specifically protects the employment rights of individuals who are members of the uniformed services, including those called to active duty. This law ensures that service members are entitled to retain their job positions, or be reinstated to similar or equal positions, upon their return from military service. It is designed to prevent discrimination against service members and provides them rights related to reemployment and benefits, thereby supporting their civilian employment during times of military service.

This protection under USERRA includes not just full-time military personnel but also reserves and members of the National Guard who may be called up for duty. By understanding this law, employers can better navigate the complexities of employee rights when those employees are called to serve.

The other options do not align with the specific protections offered by USERRA: employment of individuals with disabilities falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act, job placements based on genetic information are governed by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and affirmative action procedures relate to policies designed to address past discrimination and promote diversity in the workplace.