What is the primary purpose of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)?

The primary purpose of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is to ensure that service members can return to their jobs after completing their military service. This federal law is designed to protect the employment rights of individuals who serve in the uniformed services, allowing them to take a leave of absence for military duty without jeopardizing their civilian employment.

USERRA guarantees that service members are entitled to reemployment in their prior position, or a comparable position, upon their return, provided they meet certain criteria related to their service duration and notification. This protection helps mitigate the challenges faced by those who serve in the military, fostering job security and stability for both the service members and their families during periods of active duty.

The focus on reemployment distinguishes USERRA from other laws that might deal with wage protection, health benefits, or training, as those aspects are not the primary aim of this specific legislation.