Welcome Veterans
One of EEAD national programs comprises a specialization in representing Veterans who have experienced veterans’ preference violations in the employment sector because of their veteran status. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 or VEOA is a federal law that provides certain federal employees and applicants with a means of redress in the event that a federal executive agency violates an employee’s or applicant’s veterans’ preference rights. EEAD takes special interest in securing the rights of veteran officers and enlisted men and women of the Armed Forces. Many of EEAD staff served in the United States Armed Forces and know what returning home from service means. EEAD mission includes providing assurance that our Veterans represent America’s workforce. Our purpose is to raise awareness and educate Veterans about their rights under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act and other laws designed to protect veterans reemployment rights.
The truth of the matter is that our Veterans will come home needing hospitalization, rehabilitation and time to recover.
Recently a Veteran came to EEAD regarding a complaint of not being selected for an interview. A review of the Veterans qualifications indicated [he] was more qualified than the non-Veteran selected for the federal position. The Veteran had a 60% disability rating. The Veteran was also higher ranked on the agencies ‘certificate of eligibles’. The agencies actions were a clear violation of veterans’ preference rights. Bottom line the non-veteran was out of reach.
EEAD received another complaint where an 80% disabled veteran interviewed by telephone with a federal agency and was asked, “Do you think your disability will affect your ability to perform?” The veteran responded, “no”. The irony is that the agency did not know what injury the veteran’s disability rating was for. The question to the veteran is an unchecked habit that some federal employers practice. Unfortunately, these stories are an example of a time and again occurrence. EEAD has found that most federal agencies have a good reputation for hiring and maintaining veterans on their staff but this does not excuse the few from the many.
However, most veterans’ preference eligible rights violations occur in the hiring phase. Do not let your Veteran status be a burden to you, fight back. You have the skills, hone on them!
If you are a Veteran and your preference eligibility rights have been violated please do not hesitate to contact EEAD at info@eead.org
Also, please visit our ‘Resources’ page for valuable links to other Veteran services and community resources. Remember EEAD is there for you every step of the way.
Visit the link below it is a valuable resource!
http://www.mspb.gov/netsearch/viewdocs.aspx?docnumber=367901&version=368534&application=HTML
