Glendale extends benefits for city employees deployed abroad

For the 10th year, Glendale will be extending pay and benefits to members of the National Guard or Armed Forces reserves who have been deployed while working for the city.

Traditionally, deployed employees get a salary supplement equal to their base city pay, as well as some benefits for 30 days after being called to military duty. The extension approved by the City Council on Tuesday increases that to one year due to lengthy deployments seen throughout the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The extension is meant to support service members who would likely face financial hardship if they did not receive city benefits while deployed. The City Council must vote on extending benefits every year.

“This measure will hopefully minimize the burden placed on employees,” said Human Resources Director Matt Doyle.

Currently, there is one public works employee who is deployed aboard, this time for a a second tour in Afghanistan, said Public Works Director Steve Zurn.

In the past 10 years, about 25 city employees have benefitted from the extension, Doyle said.