DOL Strengthens Benefits for Veterans and the Disabled
The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act are passed
According to an article from DOL’s blog, last week the Federal Register published two final rules—the Vietnam War Veterans’ Readjustment Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The two rules have been in the works for more than three years, and implementation will begin now that they have been passed. The effective date for both rules is March 24, 2014.
The Vietnam War Veterans’ Readjustment Act requires covered federal government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment specified categories of veterans protected by the act. The act also requires contractors and subcontractors to list their employment openings with the appropriate service delivery system and covered veterans should receive priority in referral to the openings.
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 “prohibits discrimination and requires employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that exceed $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain and promote qualified individuals with disabilities.”
Contractors have 180 days from the date the rules were published (September 24, 2013) to implement the rules. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has plans to help them be successful in their implementation, according to DOL’s blog post. They plan to do this through overview webinars, technical assistance materials, and more.
For more information, visit:
http://social.dol.gov/blog/how-can-we-make-our-new-rules-work-for-you/