Russian Government Backs Bill to Give SVO Veterans Priority to Keep Jobs During Layoffs

Overview

• The cabinet supported the initiative on condition of revisions, requesting clarified wording and a defined effective date, according to its official review obtained by TASS.
• The proposal amends Article 179 of the Labor Code to extend preferential retention rights during workforce cuts to participants of the special military operation.
• The measure covers those who resumed work after suspended contracts due to mobilization, individuals who signed military contracts during mobilization, and personnel assigned to National Guard units.
• Current law lets servicemembers return to their employer within three months after service, but it does not guarantee preferential retention for these categories when staff is reduced.
• The bill was prepared by State Duma committee chair Yaroslav Nilov, with the text and explanatory note provided to TASS and RIA Novosti as the proposal moves into parliamentary consideration.