In response to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, National Guard members are being deployed. It is important to remember that these individuals have rights (including unpaid leave and reemployment) under The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Team members of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS/FEMA) are also entitled to USERRA rights. These individuals should have documentation verifying their membership in NDMS.
Other requests for volunteers such as medical personnel and volunteer firefighters are being made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In general, these individuals will not have any rights under USERRA, but may be granted a discretionary or other personal leave of absence under company policy.
Additional information can be obtained at www.ndms.fema.gov.