ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced on Nov. 19, 2012, that Steve Burd, chairman and chief executive officer of Safeway Inc., signed a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, California. He was joined by ESGR National Chairman James Rebholz.
The statement of support confirms Safeway joins other employers in pledging:
- We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve effectively.
- We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, reservists and veterans.
- We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
"We are honored to reaffirm Safeway's support for our employees in the National Guard and Reserve," Burd said. "No other public service could be more important than providing support to our men and women in uniform."
Guardsmen and reservists bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
"Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind," Rebholz said. "By signing this statement of support, Safeway sends a clear message they stand committed to their military employees."
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws and resolves conflict between service members and employers.
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