Ryder to Sign "5-Star" Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve
Ms. Vicki O'Meara, Executive Vice President & Chief of Corporate Operations will participate in the signing ceremony in conjunction with McDonald's Salute to America's Heroes.
Ft Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) April 28, 2005
Mr. David Bludworth, State Chair of the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Ms. Vicki O’Meara, Executive Vice President & Chief of Corporate Operations for Ryder System Inc. will sign a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on Thursday, April 28, 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The signing ceremony is in conjunction with the McDonald’s National Salute to America’s Heroes and will be conducted at 7:30 a. m. in the Pier 66 Hyatt Resort.
The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that Ryder:
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 Law (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 Florida 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 Bludworth. “Many Florida 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”.
“Upon meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of Ryder will stand proudly with their 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,” said Bob Hollingsworth, ESGR Executive Director.
“Our Company is very fortunate to have been founded in a country in which personal and economic freedom are highly valued and where people of all backgrounds and cultures have an opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Ms. O’Meara. “The brave women, men and families of the Guard and Reserve are making tremendous personal sacrifices to preserve our way of life. Ryder is especially proud of the more than 160 employees who have been, or are now, on military leave. Demonstrating our support here today and making a strong commitment to theses men and women is something we do gladly, and we call upon other companies to support their employees who are called to duty.”
“Ryder is joining a cadre of its fellow Fortune 500 companies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces, added Hollingsworth. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support Ms. O’Meara is sending a clear message to the employees of Ryder that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
Ryder is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in South Florida, which provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions to businesses worldwide. RyderÂ’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & PoorÂ’s 500 Index. For more information about Ryder System, Inc., visit www. ryder. com.
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 AmericaÂ’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www. esgr. mil, or by calling the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590.
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