Nursing Mothers’ Rights in the Workplace
Overview of Employee Rights
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), nursing employees are entitled to reasonable break times for expressing breast milk. This provision aims to support working mothers while ensuring they have the necessary time to care for their infants.
Breaks and Compensation
Covered employees must be fully compensated for their breaks or be completely relieved of their duties during this time. It is not mandatory for them to pump while performing work duties if they are not receiving pay.
Recent Legislative Changes
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, enacted in 2022, reinforces these rights. It mandates that employers provide not only break time but also a clean, safe, and private space for pumping. Importantly, this designated area cannot be a bathroom, ensuring a more comfortable environment for nursing mothers.
Requirements for Private Spaces
The FLSA specifies that if a private lactation room is not available, a functional space must be readily accessible when needed. Employers are required to ensure that these facilities are up to standard, fostering a more accommodating workplace.
Duration of Rights
Nursing mothers can exercise these rights up to one year following the birth of their child. This timeline helps provide consistent support during the early stages of motherhood.