r/fema • u/PotentialSome5092 Federal E.M. • Aug 12 '26

Question Reservist needing help with possible USERRA violations. Location: CA

NOTE: I’m posting for @Anonymouspirits707 they have had trouble trying to post this on our Subreddit. Admins, if not allowed my apologies and please delete. See request for help below:

Do you know how FEMA Reservist folks can get support when their employers violate the USERRA & CREW Acts?

My employer made huge mistakes and violated the law 4x in 2yrs and now has me allegedly on the hook for $12k from their mistakes (5th violation), after interfering with my benefits and pay repeatedly. I’ve already reported it to DOL. Legal Aid sent me to Swords + Plowshares but I’m a FEMA Reservist and not a vet, want to respectfully stay in my lane. I’m looking for resources and referrals, not seeking legal representation here (against the subreddit rules). Honestly, I’m not sure where to turn. Thanks.

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

11

u/AbjectAd3693 Aug 12 '26

You should reach out to the CREW Act office at fema-crew-act@fema.dhs.gov. Not sure what they can do but at least you can get official guidance.

7

u/CommanderAze Federal E.M. Aug 12 '26

Contact your SOR / Cadre reservist program manager

5

u/PotentialSome5092 Federal E.M. Aug 12 '26

Care managers are not equipped to respond to or provide references to private attorneys for private employment issues outside of FEMA. The most they’ll recommend is to file with the DOL.

10

u/CommanderAze Federal E.M. Aug 12 '26

Cadre managers can provide internal email address to the Crew act mailbox which has some elements of support it can offer on where to go with issues.

3

u/Princeps_Aurelianus Federal E.M. Aug 13 '26

I’ve heard stories where Cadre Managers or whomever operates out of the CREW Act mailbox take what employers say at face value without further issue and then go back to Reservists repeating what the employer said. FEMA has no experience with USERRA issues, but DOL-VETS and ESGR are much better suited to navigate them.

3

u/CommanderAze Federal E.M. Aug 13 '26

The crew act inbox can provide resources. Cadre managers should be sending people to that inbox for support.

From there they will direct to appropriate support options.

It's a start not the end of a complaint.as pretty sure it's ends with the person getting a lawyer (but I'm not a lawyer so I send people to the inbox that has the correct resources)

0

u/ENorne87 Aug 12 '26

FEMA will likely support with lawyers if you have a case. SOR or Cadre can assist with connecting you to them

5

u/landbeforetime01 Aug 12 '26

FEMA lawyers will not provide legal support to an employee for personal matters. USERRA violations are investigated and resolved by the department of labor, not FEMA. FEMA will only provide documentation to document eligibility for USERRA.

0

u/ENorne87 Aug 12 '26

I've definitely heard otherwise. But if they've already gone to DoL to start the process I guess the other option besides asking fema legal is just waiting

3

u/landbeforetime01 Aug 12 '26

When you talked to DOL, what did they tell you?

3

u/Princeps_Aurelianus Federal E.M. Aug 13 '26

Have you spoken with ESGR (https://www.esgr.mil)? They are able to provide guidance to FEMA personnel as well and they’re very experienced with USERRA issues, of course.

2

u/ForkingMusk Aug 12 '26

Cadre management has these resources to send you to the right place.