Attorney General John Ashcroft and Labor Secretary Elaine
Chao have signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure
employment rights of troops returning from active duty
are vigorously protected. The memorandum strengthens
enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and
Re-employment Rights Act of 1994 by clarifying each
department’s responsibilities in enforcing the act. The
attorney general has delegated its responsibilities to
the civil rights division of the Department of Justice
and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices. The Department of Labor
has delegated its responsibilities to the veterans’
employment and training service and the office of the
solicitor. The memorandum will streamline the enforcement
process by allowing the two agencies to work closely and
effectively. When a complaint raises an “issue of
immediate and significant harm” and each agency agrees
that the complaint appears legitimate, it may be referred
for enforcement immediately, officials said.