New York expands workplace protections for breastfeeding employees

By Kristin F. Dalton

Employers in New York are now required by law to ensure breastfeeding individuals in the workplace have access to a private space to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.4844-B/A. 1236-A) which requires New York employers to ensure pumping spaces are convenient and private with adequate seating, access to running water and electricity, and a working space.

The legislation also requires all employers to develop and implement a written policy, developed by the New York State Department of Labor, outlining employee rights when breastfeeding in the workplace.

The legislation also requires all employers to develop and implement a written policy

The written policy must be provided to each employee when they are hired and annually thereafter, as well as when employees return to work after the birth of a child.

“Every nursing mother deserves access to a safe, hygienic, and convenient space to pump in the workplace,” Hochul said. “By requiring employers to provide quality accommodations, this legislation will help employees feel comfortable and respected when breastfeeding.”

It ensures all employees across the state will receive the same basic accommodations that public employees currently receive, the state said.

Currently, employers are required to give employees reasonable break times and make reasonable efforts to provide a space for breastfeeding employees to pump breast milk. However, this standard requirement falls below the requirements in place for government employees.

This article was first published here. Read the original article in full here.