OFCCP Honors Veterans Day
Veterans Day, November 11, is a remembrance set aside to honor those who have defended our country in peace and in war. Veterans serve with unwavering commitment to protecting our nation, many times at a great personal sacrifice to themselves and their families. In recognition of this observance, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) honors and thanks all veterans for their service.
President Biden’s proclamation honoring Veterans Day states:
“Fulfilling our Nation’s promise to our veterans and military families also means ensuring that everyone who serves — no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religious background — feels safe and valued in the ranks. Since coming into office, I have made historic reforms to the military justice system that enhance safety and protections for service members and veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment.”
OFCCP enforces the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating against protected veterans and their spouses, including disabled veteran employees. A veteran is a "protected veteran" under VEVRAA if they fall into one or more of the following categories: disabled veteran; recently separated veteran; active-duty wartime or campaign badge veteran; or Armed Forces service medal veteran. VEVRAA also requires that certain federal contractors develop written affirmative action plans and establish annual hiring benchmarks for protected veterans. At OFCCP, we proudly work to ensure equal employment opportunities in the civilian workforce among federal contractors and subcontractors for protected veterans, veterans with disabilities and spouses of protected veterans.
We have recovered backpay and job opportunities for veterans in instances where we have found workplace discrimination. Recently, we obtained a settlement on behalf of a female veteran after we found that a federal contractor discriminated against her by failing to select her for a promotion due to lack of sufficient civilian work experience. The contractor agreed to resolve the violation and provide back pay and interest.
Promoting Compliance Among Federal Contractors & Veteran Rights
OFCCP offers resources and compliance assistance to help federal contractors comply with their legal obligations to take affirmative action to promote equal opportunity for covered veterans and their spouses. Veterans also have access to these resources to learn about their rights in the workplace. In addition to providing resources and compliance assistance, OFCCP encourages and facilitates linkage relationships between contractors and community organizations and recruitment resources to support recruitment and hiring of protected veterans.
Learn more about our resources to support veterans’ equal employment opportunity:
OFCCP has the highest respect for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Using our existing authorities, our employees honor our veterans each day by advocating for their rights.
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