| Questions and Answers
Q. Is Rensselaer required to pay an employee’s regular salary while on military leave?
A. No. No employer is required to continue an employee’s pay. However, in support of our employees called for duty, Rensselaer will make-up the difference between the pay received for the tour of duty and the employee’s regular Rensselaer daily earnings for up to a maximum of eight weeks while on active duty.
Q. Will health insurance benefits continue while I am on military leave?
A. Although there is no requirement to continue insurance coverage at existing rates, Rensselaer will continue insurance for the employee and any enrolled dependents during the employee’s military leave period. The employee is responsible for making payments at his/her normal employee rate by the first of each month. This benefit is available for one year. After that period, insurance may be continued under COBRA-like coverage.
Q. Does an employee accrue vacation or sick leave while on military leave?
A. No. Employees do not accrue leave while on military duty. However, an employee may elect to use vacation leave as an additional benefit.
Q. Will my spouse/children be able to continue using the Tuition Reimbursement Benefits?
A. Yes. Dependents are eligible to use the Tuition benefit provided you are on military duty or within the authorized time period to return to work.
Q. Will I lose seniority while I am on military leave?
A. No. An employee must be considered not to have been absent from the workplace while on military leave.
Q. Can Rensselaer refuse to grant military leave?
A. No. No employer can refuse a military leave unless the employee has exceeded 5 years of cumulative military service while employed by a single employer. An employee is not required to request permission for military leave, but is required to provide notification of pending military service.
Q. Will I be reinstated in my same job?
A. Not in all cases. However, you will be reinstated in a similar position with the same benefits, status and rate-of-pay as if you had been employed during your military leave.
Q. What if new technology or techniques have been implemented in my old job and I don’t have the skills associated with the new procedures?
A. Both as a matter of principle and law, Rensselaer will provide training to refresh or upgrade your skills to enable you to qualify for reemployment.
Q. What is the time limit to return to work after an extended military leave?
A. For service of 31 to 180 days, application for reinstatement must be submitted no later than 14 days after completion of military duty. For service of 181 or more days, application for reinstatement must be submitted not later than 90 days after completion of military duty.
Q. What if I don’t return within the established time limits?
A. If you do not return to work within the established time limits, you may forfeit your right to reemployment.
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