New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a groundbreaking law that mandates paid break time for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.
Effective immediately, this new regulation ensures that working mothers in New York will receive a half-hour of paid break time to express breast milk for up to three years after childbirth. This law represents a significant step forward in supporting breastfeeding mothers' rights and promoting family health and well-being.
Policy Details for Breastfeeding Mothers' Rights
Under Labor Law Section 206-c, the new regulation requires all employers, both public and private, to provide paid breaks for breastfeeding mothers. This law is applicable across all industries and businesses, regardless of size.
Employers must inform their employees about these rights by providing them with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Policy on Breast Milk Expression in the Workplace. This information must be provided at the start of employment, annually thereafter, and upon return to work following the birth of a child.
The law specifically prohibits employers from counting this break time against an employee's preexisting meal breaks or other paid breaks. This means that the half-hour allocated for breast milk expression is an additional paid benefit, ensuring that new mothers do not lose their regular break time.
Accommodations and Timeframe Paid Breaks for Breastfeeding
Employers are also required to provide a private space for mothers to pump breast milk. This space must be close to the work area and cannot be a bathroom.
In addition to that, if a dedicated room for lactation is not yet available, mothers have the right to use a vacant room temporarily. As a last resort, a fully enclosed cubicle with walls at least seven feet high may be provided.
The number of breaks needed throughout the day will vary for each individual. Employers must accommodate the reasonable needs of breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to take breaks whenever necessary.
Employees may choose to use their regular paid break time or meal time for pumping if they prefer, or they may take additional time as needed beyond the half-hour paid break.
Governor Hochul's Commitment to a New York Breastfeeding Law
Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of this new law in supporting working families. She added that, as the first mom governor of New York City, she is fighting every day to uplift the rights of working parents and the protections they need to keep their families strong and healthy.
This new law underscores the governor's commitment to improving the workplace environment for new mothers and ensuring that they have the necessary support to balance their professional and personal responsibilities.
By enacting this law, New York sets a precedent for other states to follow in recognizing the importance of breastfeeding mothers' rights in the workplace.
The provision of paid break time for breastfeeding not only benefits the health and well-being of the child but also supports the mother's ability to continue her professional career without compromising her role as a caregiver.
The implementation of this law marks a significant advancement in the rights of breastfeeding mothers in New York. It ensures that new mothers can return to work with the assurance that they will have the time and space necessary to express breast milk, promoting a healthier work-life balance and contributing to the overall well-being of their families.
This law represents a vital step toward creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all.
