Sears Supports Reservist Employees Email Forward
OutlineMessages circulating via email and social media claim that Sears is paying salary differences and maintaining benefits for its reservist employees even though they are not required by law to do so.
Brief Analysis
The claims in the message are true. Sears is indeed paying differences in pay and maintaining benefits for reservist employees who have been called to duty and have done so for many years.
Detailed analysis and references below example.
Last updated: 22nd November 2011
First published: 21st December 2004
Article written by Brett M. Christensen
About Brett Christensen and Hoax-Slayer
Examples:
Sears - Christmas shopping this year.
I know I needed this reminder, since Sears isn't always my first choice.
It's amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and Sears hasn't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?
What commitment you say?
How does Sears treat its employees who are serving in our military?
By law , they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but
nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being in active duty. Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all employees who are serving. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears at least once. Be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement & feedback it well deserves. Pass it on.
Let's all shop at Sears!!!
I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its
who are called up? By law, they are required to hold
their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a
big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is
voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all
benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called
up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an
exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.
Suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them
why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well
deserves.
Pass it on.
So I decided to check it out before I sent it forward. I sent the
following email to the Sears Customer Service Department:
I received this email and I would like to know if it is true. If it is,
the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement
for your store. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears
instead of another store for a like item even if it was cheaper at the
other store.
Here is their answer to my email......................
Dear Customer:
Thank you for contacting Sears.
The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback. Sears
regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men
and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they
bear at this time.
Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
[email protected]
1-800-349-4358
Please pass this on to all your friends, Sears needs to be recognized for
this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do
appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!!!!!!!!!
Versions of this message have circulated via email since 2003. Latter-day variants now also circulate via Facebook and other social media websites. The information in the messages is true. US based department store chain Sears is indeed paying differences in pay and maintaining benefits for reservist employees who have been called to duty.
US Law requires that employers hold the jobs of a "person who leaves a civilian job for voluntary or involuntary service in the uniformed services". However, employers are not required to make up the difference between the person's normal salary and the salary she or he receives as a member of the military. Nor are employers required to maintain all of the absent worker's job benefits while he or she is away.
Therefore, it is correct that Sears is supporting their reservist employees well beyond the lawful requirement. According to information on the
Sears Military Support web page, the company continues to offer military pay differential and other benefits to employees called to duty in the Reserves or National Guard.
It is commendable that Sears has chosen to support their employees in this way. However, it should be noted that many other American companies are making a similar commitment to their reservist employees.
References
ESGR - FAQ for Employers
Sears Military Support
Last updated: 22nd November 2011
First published: 21st December 2004
Article written by Brett M. Christensen
About Brett Christensen and Hoax-Slayer
