January 4, 2023

In A Big Win for Pregnant Workers, Senate Passes PWFA and PUMP

With bipartisan support, the United States Senate passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act in December, both amendments to the federal omnibus budget. The amendments passed the House of Representatives in August, but languished in the Senate for months. Finally, with the lame duck session coming to a close the Senate voted 73-24 in favor of the PWFA and 92-5 for PUMP.

The PFWA solidifies reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers in a bid to counter employers’ common practices of firing or placing on unpaid leave such workers. Specific accommodations might include bathroom breaks, restricting how much weight a pregnant worker is required to lift or being able to sit while working a cash register.

The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, meanwhile, provides new provisions to allow breastfeeding mothers break time to pump, something many workers, especially hourly ones, are restricted from doing. This comes on the heels of a massive baby formula shortage in the US, which might rear its head again in 2023.

These amendments are the result of more than a decade of struggle and lobbying to improve the rights of pregnant workers.

Amended Labor Law in New York Ensures Employees’ Right to Paid Lactation Breaks Effective June 19, 2024

July 2, 2024
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Employers in New York are now required to give paid lactation breaks for breastfeeding employees.

Updated New York Labor Law Protects Employees Social Media Privacy

June 20, 2024
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New York Labor Law was recently amended limiting employer access to their employee's social media accounts.

Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act Regulation Set to Take Effect June 18, 2024

May 15, 2024
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The EEOC issues its final rule and interpretive guidance to implement the PWFA.

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