Hiring Military/National Guard

HRPager

I have had 2 Supervisor's tell me that they will not interview a candidate because they are in the National Guard. The position they are interviewing for works two weekends a month and she has guard duty one weekend a month (which I feel they should be able to adjust the weekends to work around). I told them that they cannot use the Guards as a reason not to interview someone. Is this just ethically wrong or illegal?

I've been challenged by our VP to prove to him that discrimating against someone in active Military/National Guard duty is illegal in the hiring process. He thinks that they are just protected after they are hired. Can anybody help?

Thanks so much!

POPEYE

Have your VP check out the guidelines of USERRA. This act prohibits discrimination in HIRING, retention, promotions, or other benefits of employment.........

I would definitely not want to be the person that declined to employ a qualified applicant because of their involvement with the National Guard!!!!!

Beave

It's exactly as POPEYE says. Refer to the USERRA act. VERY strong law. You can find it doing a search on it.

Dutch2

Amen to what POPEYE stated. Just let word get out in the community that your company will not consider anyone for employment that is active in the Guard. Can your supervisors spell no-win litigation?
Good luck,
Dutch2

dbutton111

And what a negative approach. Our company has gone far the other way - we signed up for the Hire A Hero program here in FL. It allows you to post jobs available and get applicants that are in the Guard.

cthr

Is the HIre a hero program available in other states?

sonny

I don't know. .the web page is [url]www.YourFloridaGuard.com[/url]. You might be able to get a phone number to call and ask or call your state guard.