Now that most soldiers from the 32nd Brigade of the Wisconsin Army National Guard are home, it’s time for them to get back to work stateside. However, because of the slumping economy, some are finding their jobs are gone.
Federal law requires businesses to give returning soldiers their jobs back with the same benefits as when they left for active duty. However, Wayne Short with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve says that can’t happen if the business has shut down.
During a recent visit with returning soldiers at Fort McCoy, Short says nearly 25-percent will be coming home with no job waiting for them, either because of lay-offs or their employer closing completely.
Short says those without work waiting for them will receive help finding a new job.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (:51)