What the employer must know and implement during reserve service – rewards, protections, reporting and forms
As of 2025, in accordance with laws, expansion orders and guidelines of the National Insurance Authority.
Basic rights of a reserve service employee
An employee who goes into the reserves retains all of his rights at the workplace. He may not be fired, his salary or his employment conditions may not be affected – not even indirectly. During the reserves, the employee receives compensation from the National Insurance Institute, and not from the employer, but the employer may pay him in advance and receive a refund from the National Insurance Institute afterwards.
Payment of wages and benefits from the National Insurance Institute
- The employer can choose to pay the employee their regular salary while on reserve duty.
- Then, he files a claim for reimbursement through Social Security with Form 3010 and relevant Forms 100.
- The compensation is calculated based on the average salary in the last three months before the reserve, including fixed salary components.
- In the event of a substantial salary change (an increase of over 20%) or additional service in the same year, National Insurance makes additional adjustments.
- The reserve period is considered a continuous period for accumulating seniority, entitlement to vacation, convalescence, and retirement.
Protections against dismissal
- It is prohibited to fire an employee during reserve service. Firings during the period or up to 30 days after discharge require approval from the Ministry of Defense Employment Committee.
- Employees who have served for over 60 consecutive days benefit from protection for up to 60 days after discharge – in accordance with valid emergency orders.
- An employer who fires an employee in violation of instructions may face criminal prosecution and heavy fines.
Additional rights during reserve duty
- Days of service count towards seniority, convalescence, and pension accrual.
- Vacation or sick days may not be deducted for reserve duty.
- It is prohibited to change positions, reduce positions, or change employment conditions due to reserve service.
- Spouses of reserve service members may be entitled to paid leave, depending on the length of service (according to the instructions of the Ministry of Labor and Emergency Extensions).
What should the employer actually do?
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