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Sears Extends Pay & Benefits for Reservists

April 2, 2003
For military reservists called to active duty, economic worries can be worse than the fears and stresses connected with military service. One major employer -- Sears, Roebuck & Co. -- makes the load a little lighter for its employees.

Sears goes far beyond the requirements of the federal law that protects reservists' jobs. The Illinois-based retailer offers differential pay to full-time employees who serve in the military. That is, the company will kick in money to make up the difference if an employee earns less through military service than through his or her job at Sears. The company offered the same benefit during Operation Desert Storm, in 1991.

It recently extended its program of military pay differential to 24 months. It had previously been 12.

"I think it helps relieve some of the stress of the families over here," said Sears spokeswoman Janice R. Drummond.

Besides making up any difference in pay, Sears permits reservists who are full-time employees to continue participating in the company's life insurance, medical and dental programs, if they choose. The company will also hold a comparable position for these individuals for up to five years.

"This is a difficult time for military families, and we are proud to be able to take these actions to demonstrate support for our many co-workers who are serving our Nation," the company said in a statement.

The policy had been getting a great deal of attention on the Internet and in community newspapers and many consumers have written to ConsumerAffairs.com to praise the company's action.

"I will increase my patronage of Sears," said David Givens of Phoenix.

"We thought our actions were simply the right thing to do, so we have been pleasantly surprised by the tremendous surge of support from you and so many other Americans," Sears said.

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