<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fcrit:
I'm sure there's someone more knowledgeable than me on this subject, but I think the law only requires the employer to hold a called-up reservist/NG's job open, or at least offer them a comparable job on their return.
As for pay, I think they get active duty pay while on assignment, but I don't think their employers are required to pay them during this period. However, many companies (mine included) pay the difference between the (laughable) reserve/NG pay and their regular salary, as an extra (and taxable, thanks to Uncle Sam) benefit.
As for the comment about us being in bad shape without the reserves, that's an understatement. Approx. 1/2 of troop strength in is the reserves, and some of them are top units. The Air Force, Navy and Marine reserve pilots (made up primarily of airline pilots) regularly outscore active duty units. I'll take experience (like >2,000 hours in type for some of these guys) any day.</font>
You are correct, sir. By law, companies are required to keep open the job of the folks who serve in the reserve when they are called up to active duty. When they get back, they are required to give them that job back or one that is similar.
They are not, however, required to pay them the difference between active duty pay and their regular salaries. However, many employers, because they don't want to see their employees go bankrupt while serving their country, make up the difference.
If I were running a company, I'd make sure that I took care of my employees who were called up. It's the right thing to do and it sure as hell would show that you do more than give lip service to employees being important.