The Veterans Preference Act or VPA in Minnesota is intended to help veterans in the discharge or firing process. Usually, this rule applies to civil service and public sector jobs. However, there are circumstances when the VPA rule applies to private jobs too.
Thus, if you are a veteran and believe you are near the getting fired stage or want to enforce rights through the Veterans Preference Act, please contact this law office for help.
How does the VPA help you?
Keeping it simple, this Minnesota law is supposed to protect veterans from getting fired.
Before getting fired and sometimes after, the VPA outlines a specific process such that the veteran can fight or argue at a hearing why they should be allowed to continue their employment.
Laws for the Veterans Preference Act
Minnesota’s rules for employed veterans are littered in one to many locations. First, consider reviewing a collection of rewards and privileges exclusive to Minnesota veterans under Chapter 197.
Next, veterans can find preferences for State jobs under MN statute 43A.11.
Also, veterans in Minnesota seeking preferences to “small” business contracts can find rules protecting their status under rule 161.321.
Hearings for veterans
In most cases, the value of having a hearing is the ability to be heard, share evidence, confront your boss or supervisor, and engage a neutral person to decide the veteran’s job status.
Yes, a veteran is required to get notified in writing that their employer intends to fire or discharge them.
Upon getting notice, a veteran has 60 days to request their hearing. Unfortunately, a veteran who fails to request their hearing likely waives their rights to a hearing.
The hearing process for Minnesota veterans is outlined under rule 197.46.
Why veterans lose their VPA hearing
In many cases, a hearing granted under the Veterans Preference Act is lost when a veteran is terminated from their job for valid employment misconduct or proven incompetency.
As you might suspect, the goal for every veteran is to use evidence (documents), testimony and witnesses to show good judgement, quality job performance, and adherence to reasonable expectations.
What can you win?
As a veteran myself, I believe the most significant thing a veteran can win is their job or the right to continue employment.
In addition, a veteran can win back-pay and lost benefits.
Help with a veterans hearing
If you are a veteran and want help from a veteran, please contact this law office.