Relating to preference given to servicemembers in public employment.

Public job preferences for veterans and guardsmembers

Oregon public employers give hiring preferences to current Oregon National Guard members, honorably discharged former members, veterans, and disabled veterans. The preference covers competitive civil-service hiring and promotions to jobs with a higher maximum salary, regardless of the job’s label. Applicants must meet minimum and special job qualifications and pass initial screening or take part in the examination process. Employers add 5 percentage points to initial screening scores, or 10 percentage points for disabled veterans. For scored exams, employers add 5 points to the total score, or 10 points for disabled veterans. Interviews and other methods without scores require special consideration. Veteran eligibility depends on qualifying military service, combat or campaign awards, or a qualifying VA pension. Disabled veteran status includes qualifying VA disability ratings or compensation, duty-related disability discharges, and Purple Heart recipients. People awaiting honorable discharge can qualify with certification of expected discharge within 120 days; medical separation certification provides disabled-veteran treatment. Current Guard members qualify while serving, and eligible veterans and former Guard members can use the preference after discharge. The preference does not guarantee a job, but employers must provide written reasons for not selecting an eligible applicant upon request. Preference violations are unlawful employment practices, and affected applicants can complain to Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries.