ARLINGTON, Va. — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson today signed a statement of continued support for employees in the Guard and Reserve.
“I am proud to reaffirm NRECA’s support for the Guard and Reserve and our commitment to our employees who have chosen to serve,” Matheson said. “Service members bring invaluable qualities and skills to the workforce, embody the cooperative principle Concern for Community, and it is a privilege to have them on our team. I’m very pleased that Tom Bullock with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) could join us to mark this important occasion.”
By signing the Statement of Support, NRECA joins other employers in pledging that:
- We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
- We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
- We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Bullock, chief, employment outreach, Department of Defense, ESGR. The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support. The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging participating employer association to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. The NRECA is setting a high standard for all employer associations to follow by providing above and beyond support of the nation’s veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve.”
NRECA’s participation in ESGR reflects the association’s commitment to all branches of military service, veterans and their families. Earlier this year, NRECA launched Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, a nationwide program to provide veterans, service members and military spouses with the opportunity to continue their mission of service by joining the ranks of America’s electric co-ops. The program provides participating co-ops with resources and training to help them implement nationally-recognized best practices in attracting, hiring, onboarding and retaining veterans.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense Office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
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