Amtrak Extends Healthcare Benefits to Guardsmen and Reservists and signs ESGR Statement of Support

WASHINGTON D.C.) – Amtrak is pleased to announce it will extend medical benefits to Amtrak employees in the National Guard and Reserves for 12 months when they are called to active duty. In a ceremony on Nov. 26, 2007, at Amtrak’s Washington, DC Headquarters, President and CEO Alex Kummant announced the change in the benefits policy for military employees and their families.

Under the new policy, Amtrak employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves will be able to receive 12 months of extended healthcare at no cost to the employee.  The coverage includes medical, dental and vision and after the one year period, the employee may continue coverage, at the employee’s expense, for an additional 12 months. 

The new policy is a significant benefit to the families of Amtrak employees called to service in that they may continue to visit their family doctor, rather than find a new doctor at a military healthcare facility.

“Amtrak is pleased to offer extended benefits to our valuable employees serving in the U.S. military,” said Kummant.  “We are grateful for their service and very proud of the Amtrak employees who have chosen to serve our country.  We wish them a safe and speedy return.”

At the event, Amtrak signed an ESGR Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.

The Statement of Support confirms that Amtrak:

• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

By signing the Statement of Support, Amtrak is sending a clear message to their employees that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.

Amtrak employees currently on military leave include:

Vernon E. Allen, Patrolman

Josheph C. Allione, Jr., Officer, Human Resources

Trig L. Alonso, Senior Auditor

Robert Barben, Machine Operator

Edgar E. Bingham, General Foreman

Gregory I. Bhola, Carmen Journeymen

Dana N. Bozeman, R&I Clerk

Michael E. Chase, Technician, Locomotives

Joseph M. Check, Project Estimator

Martin E. Davis, Carmen Journeymen

David L. Dube, Jr., MW Repairman

Raymond R. Hyman, Machinist Journeymen

Andrew J. Mrozik, Large Equipment Operator

Darryl D. Oliver, Electronic Specialist

William D. Olsen, Coach Cleaner

Eric S. Peterson, Off-Corridor Assistant Conductor

Andrew M. Rees, III, Maintainer

Raymond C. Shafer, Senior Management MTLCN

Tiffany M. Stanton, On Board Services

Allan Wade, On-Corridor Assistant Conductor

John D. Ware, Off-Corridor Conductor Trainee

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.