G.I. GO supports military employment protection bill
10/08/06
Article by: G.I. GO Staff writer James Fanous
Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas has proposed legislation that would bring significant change to the rights of
military personnel in the workforce. The Employment Protection for Active Military Personnel bill states that any
soldier involved in the active-duty service should be prohibited from being laid off and should be given the ability
to receive any job that is open.
“It’s the just thing to do” said Mayor Vas.
Vas said he plans to introduce the bill this week calling for the state Department of Personnel to prohibit layoffs
and demotions for any permanent local, county or state public employee on military leave. The bill also would
allow any soldier who enters active duty to be required employment if they are qualified for the position.
The bill was introduced after Carlos Gonzalez, a Perth Amboy firefighter currently serving as a Marine reservist
in Iraq, became at risk of being laid off from his job. These circumstances caused concern to many in the
community, including Gonzalez’s sister Egnita Santana, that our servicemen could be treated with such
disregard.
“This is ridiculous that after serving our country and fighting a war that he will be coming home to fight for his
job,” said Santana.
While department rules give preference to veterans for hirings and promotions, no exemptions are offered to
active duty reservists like Gonzalez. If the bill is introduced, Vas hopes it could be approved quickly and signed
by Nov. 15 when the layoffs are expected to be implemented, so Gonzalez's job could be spared.
“This is only the beginning,” said G.I. GO President Jack Fanous. “We need to work hard to see that this
important bill gets passed; not just for Mr. Gonzalez, but for all of our soldiers. It is time that we treat Mr.
Gonzalez and all our servicemen and women the way they should be treated; as brave Americans who sacrificed
themselves in order to protect each and every one of us. Although guaranteeing them their job is not the ultimate
solution, it is an important step in their transition back to civilian life.”
10/08/06
Article by: G.I. GO Staff writer James Fanous
Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas has proposed legislation that would bring significant change to the rights of
military personnel in the workforce. The Employment Protection for Active Military Personnel bill states that any
soldier involved in the active-duty service should be prohibited from being laid off and should be given the ability
to receive any job that is open.
“It’s the just thing to do” said Mayor Vas.
Vas said he plans to introduce the bill this week calling for the state Department of Personnel to prohibit layoffs
and demotions for any permanent local, county or state public employee on military leave. The bill also would
allow any soldier who enters active duty to be required employment if they are qualified for the position.
The bill was introduced after Carlos Gonzalez, a Perth Amboy firefighter currently serving as a Marine reservist
in Iraq, became at risk of being laid off from his job. These circumstances caused concern to many in the
community, including Gonzalez’s sister Egnita Santana, that our servicemen could be treated with such
disregard.
“This is ridiculous that after serving our country and fighting a war that he will be coming home to fight for his
job,” said Santana.
While department rules give preference to veterans for hirings and promotions, no exemptions are offered to
active duty reservists like Gonzalez. If the bill is introduced, Vas hopes it could be approved quickly and signed
by Nov. 15 when the layoffs are expected to be implemented, so Gonzalez's job could be spared.
“This is only the beginning,” said G.I. GO President Jack Fanous. “We need to work hard to see that this
important bill gets passed; not just for Mr. Gonzalez, but for all of our soldiers. It is time that we treat Mr.
Gonzalez and all our servicemen and women the way they should be treated; as brave Americans who sacrificed
themselves in order to protect each and every one of us. Although guaranteeing them their job is not the ultimate
solution, it is an important step in their transition back to civilian life.”
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