If you are a veteran of the U.S. military and working in Minnesota—or preparing to return to work following deployment—you are likely entitled to special job entitlements and protections under state and federal laws.
Under federal law, veterans returning to civilian employment in the private sector following deployment may have special entitlements to reinstatement to a former job pursuant to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”). The USERRA statutes also protect veterans from discrimination and other disadvantages based on their prior military service.
Under state law, the Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (“VPA”) provides veterans with preference over nonveterans in hiring and promotion in many public-sector jobs. The VPA also provides robust protections for veterans from unjust termination from public-sector employment. In cases where veterans are unjustly fired, the VPA even requires the employer to pay for any attorney fees and other costs incurred by the veteran in enforcing their rights.
Miller O’Brien Jensen has extensive experience representing veterans in these types of workplace matters, including litigation when necessary. If you are a veteran and have questions about your rights in the workplace, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys