LANSING – State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) today voted for a bill that will protect the jobs of Michigan residents who are called to active military duty.
Current state law requires employers to keep servicemembers' civilian jobs open for just 15 days once they return from active duty. The bill passed today by the House extends that to 90 days.
"Our servicemembers should not have to worry about rushing back to work to save their jobs when they return from serving their country on the battlefield," LeBlanc said. "Transitioning back into civilian life can be difficult. We must respect the time it takes for them to return to normal life with their families, and give them the time they need to adjust."
In addition to extending the period of job protection, the bill also gives servicemembers the right to file a lawsuit in circuit court against employers who refuse to abide by the law.
"The men and women who fight for our country put their lives on hold to protect us," LeBlanc said. "Making sure their jobs are secure when they return home to their families is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our country."