In recognition of “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” on May 10, and as part of the Department of Labor’s ongoing efforts to support military spouses, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has issued new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), reaffirming that the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and its implementing regulations protect not only covered veterans against employment discrimination, but also their spouses and other family members.
The new FAQs answer six questions, with three of the questions focusing on the Labor Department’s support for military spouses in general, and specifically the protections afforded to the spouses of protected veterans. The other three questions simply provide background on VEVRAA. The FAQs are in line with the Trump Administration’s policy, as outlined in a May 9, 2018 Executive Order, “to enhance employment support for military spouses.”
OFCCP’s military spouse FAQs serve as a timely reminder that VEVRAA protections extend beyond just the individual protected veteran, and that in making employment decisions such as hiring or the administration of benefits, employers are well-advised to avoid making such decisions based upon an applicant’s or employee’s relationship with a protected veteran.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC) can read more here.