The U.S. Department of Labor announced Nov. 9 its Final Rule for the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act. The law, signed by President Trump in May, creates the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which will recognize companies and organizations for their efforts to recruit and retain America's military service veterans.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program will launch as a demonstration in 2018 with about 300 participating employers. It will be fully implemented in 2019.
“Through their military service, America's veterans have leadership skills, technical expertise and proven problem-solving capabilities. These are attributes that any employer would want,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “The HIRE Vets Medallion Program provides a way to recognize companies and organizations that make a strong commitment to hiring our proud veterans. I look forward to implementing the HIRE Vets Medallion Program through a demonstration next year as we work to establish the full recognition program.”
In the Final Rule that creates the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service details the criteria, process, timelines and procedures for employers to follow to qualify and apply for the award. The Final Rule also describes how the Department will review applications and determine and notify award recipients. All organizations with at least one employee are eligible to apply for a HIRE Vets Medallion.
The Secretary of Labor will recognize successful applicants with an award and a virtual HIRE Vets Medallion that can be placed on websites, used in social media, and in printed materials. The Final Rule establishes gold and platinum award levels in categories for small, medium and large employers.
In 2018, the Department will use the criteria, forms, online application portal, application review process and types of awards in keeping with the Final Rule. The demonstration will be geared toward recognizing up to 300 organizations on Veterans Day 2018 for their contributions to veteran recruitment, employment, and retention.
Employers seeking further information should visit www.HIREVets.gov for updates, or contact [email protected].
