New York Times Signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

(New York, NY) – Mr. Tom Sabo, State Chair of the New York Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Guy D. “Doc” Holliday, Vice President, Advertising Sales for the New York Times, signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve. The signing ceremony was conducted at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York in conjunction with the Salute Our Heroes – The Veterans Job Fair and Career Expo” activities.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the New York Times:

· Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
· Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act. (USERRA).
· Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
· Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
· Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all New York employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Sabo. “Many New York employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Sabo said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, The Management of the New York Times will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.

“Mr. Holliday joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Sabo. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support, Mr. Holliday is sending a clear message to the employees of The New York Times that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the National Committee Offices at 800-336-4590.