Michigan Discriminates Against Retired Veterans

[Tail_Gunner]

Recently I became aware of a job opening with the state of Michigan. I applied for the job, and to better my chances, applied for veterans hiring preference.

A couple of days after applying for veterans hiring preference, I was notified my application was denied. Immediately I inquired why and found out it's because I'm retired. To say I was pissed is an understatement.

The rule reads:

For purposes of this preference, an eligible veteran is a person who
(1) has 90 or more calendar days of active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States,
(2) was honorably discharged from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, and
(3) has not retired from any uniformed service.

So if a person after 91 days, flunks out of basic training for either mental or physical reasons, they get a honorable discharge. He/she can get veterans hiring preference if seeking a job with the state of Michigan.

But if you served for 20 years or more, the state discriminates against you. The Michigan Civil Service Commission says you're not entitled to the same benefit given to those who served for less than you.

I have already contacted my elected representatives in Lansing. If they can't get this policy reversed, I'm prepared to contact the Governor directly, and even the press if need be. Even though it would be a matter of internal policy with the State of Michigan, I may even consider contacting my representatives in Washington DC. I don't mind turning as many blow torches as needed in the direction of the policy makers in Lansing to get this B.S. rectified.
I doubt the Civil Service Commission could stand the politcal heat if it were to come out in the news.

In the long run, my name may end up on some "blacklist" in Lansing. But at least other military retirees won't suffer from the same discrimination.

 

[kenholl]

While I understand where you are coming from, I think this may have more to do with perspective than discrimination. The way I read the qualification points, they are not going to give job preference to someone who is coming out of retirement (who might change his mind and go right back into retirement) over someone who is still in the work force. Keep in mind, that giving one person preference over another denies the job to the other. I would be pretty miffed if I was denied a job so a vet. could come out of retirement, receive preference on the job that I wanted, then change his mind and retire again in 3 months. My guess is, this is probably what they are trying to avoid.

Again, that is just a perspective that I see. I am not stating an opinion, because I don't really know enough about the STATED/INTENDED PURPOSE of the Veterans Hiring Preference.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

.... they are not going to give job preference to someone who is coming out of retirement (who might change his mind and go right back into retirement) over someone who is still in the work force....

I can see your point.

But the majority of folks who retire out of the military (especially enlisted, non-officer types) are only in the 38-45 age range and have to seek work following separation from the military. While the pension check makes the house payment, you still have to buy things like food, heat, kid's college tuition, electricity, internet, ammo & diesel fuel. Bottom line, while a pension is nice to have, most retired vets can't live soley from a pension and must seek post-military employment.

 

[powerboatr]

tg
texas has the same loop hole around thing to
they preach to hire veterans but also seem to pull the shades,
AND if you get hired on to federal service and they have to lay folks off
the vet that merely served but not retired ( served over 90 days)
has more rights than you that retired from the service, i mean YOU GO FIRST before the vet.


yep it sux big ol farm mines


and i agree with you young man..... go get em.
just because we SERVED for 20 plus years, just dont mean what it used to
don't be a lemming

 

[kenholl]

I did some more research on this, cuz that's how I'm wired...

I found something that may give you a little peace-of-mind where Michigan (and Texas) is concerned. The following is the document outlining the FEDERAL guidelines for Veterans Hiring Preference.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management - VetsInfo Guide
Who Is Entitled To Veterans' Preference In Employment? (see page 5)

• 
  Effective on October 1, 1980, military retirees at or above the rank of major or equivalent, are not
  entitled to preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans.

It looks like the Michigan guidelines are fairly close to federal guidelines. I hope this helps....

~Ken

 

[Tail_Gunner]

U.S. Office of Personnel Management - VetsInfo Guide
Who Is Entitled To Veterans' Preference In Employment? (see page 5)

• 
  Effective on October 1, 1980, military retirees at or above the rank of major or equivalent, are not
  entitled to preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans.

unless they qualify as disabled veterans.
~Ken

If I were getting a Major's pension, I wouldn't need the extra income as much & I wouldn't be so pissed off over all this.

You do bring up a good point. It might be possible that some desk jockey was trying to follow the federal policy example, but failed to take into account the earning differences between a 4 star general's pension and that of an E-6/E-7 Sergeant/Petty Officer.

 

[WD40]

Still sounds like they Discriminates Against Retired Veterans.

 

[kenholl]

Go rock some change!

It might be possible that some desk jockey was trying to follow the federal policy example, but failed to take into account the earning differences between a 4 star general's pension and that of an E-6/E-7 Sergeant/Petty Officer.

Exactly. I have the feeling that the VFW admin. office may have something on this. Might be worth using them as a resource.

Go rock some change bro! You have our full support!

 

[02stroker]

You have my support TG. As a veteran myself, I see where you are coming from. Go get them.

 

[Zookie400]

Still sounds like they Discriminates Against Retired Veterans.

sure does, and thats bull-poo!