The U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division on Monday reached an agreement with Penske Truck Leasing Co. resolving claims that the company violated the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by failing to reemploy and then terminating U.S. Air Force reservist William Mann after his return from required military training with his reserve unit.
According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Mann was honorably discharged as an Air Force staff sergeant in 2011 after serving with the 512 Mortuary Affairs Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. During his service, Mann suffered a service-related injury.
Immediately after his discharge, Mann notified Penske of his ability to return to work with some medical limitations. The complaint alleged that Penske refused to reemploy Mann, instead placing him on short-term leave. In October 2011, while Mann was on short-term leave, he informed Penske that he would need more time to fully recover from his injuries. Two months later, Penske ended Mann’s employment.
Under the terms of the settlement, Penske has agreed to pay Mann $85,000 in lost wages.
Justice reaches agreement with Penske over terminated airman
