(Host) Vermont National Guard officials took time today to thank the employers of citizen-soldiers who are serving on active duty. Under federal law, employers are required to give workers their jobs back when they return from duty.
Senator Patrick Leahy says the flexibility of employers is appreciated by the Guard:
(Leahy) “I know when you have a small business and a member of the Guard or the Reserves gets called up that takes a big hunk out of your business. But they’re putting their lives on the line, you’re helping them in the same effort.”
(Host) Vermont Guard officials say many employers still pay some of the salaries of called up workers. Senator Leahy says he supports legislation that would give tax breaks to those employers who continue to pay soldiers who are called to active duty.