Your Duty to Military Employees

As President Bush activates military reserve units, many employers may have questions regarding their obligations to provide military leave to employees. The following should address some of your questions.

You Must Provide Leave

Under federal law, employers must provide military leave for employees who are drafted, enlist for service, or are called to active duty. This leave is also required for training and service for employees who serve in reserve units.

You Must Provide Benefits

Employees absent from their employment to complete this military service are entitled to continuation of employment benefits, and with certain limitations, return to their employment at the end of their service.

Pay Requirements

Under Oregon and Washington state law, qualified public employees who take military leave are entitled to pay for up to fifteen days in a year for reservist or training duties.

Private employers are not required to provide paid military leave.

For further information regarding this issue, please contact the office.

This article is intended to inform the reader of general legal principles applicable to the subject area. It is not intended to provide legal advice regarding specific problems or circumstances. Readers should consult with competent counsel with regard to specific situations.

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