As more working mothers return to the workplace, federal and state agencies are coming together in August to underscore how accommodations for breastfeeding mothers can aid them in that return, in pursing their careers, and in bolstering the workforce.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division in Minnesota is promoting National Breastfeeding Month in August by educating employers and workers about federal guidelines to accommodate breastfeeding in the workplace. For the second year, the division will partner with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the Minnesota Department of Health to present two educational webinars to discuss required workplace requirements for breastfeeding families under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s Break Time for Nursing Mothers provision.
“Protections that help balance work and family life have never been more important than they are today, as we emerge from a pandemic and more women return to the workforce,” said Wage and Hour Assistant District Director Kristin Tout, in Minneapolis. “Working with our state partners, we are proud to advance equity in the workplace for working women, who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. These webinars help essential workers understand their rights, and help employers understand their responsibilities. We encourage everyone to attend, to learn, and to help us improve compliance with these crucial requirements.”
WHO: U.S. Department of Labor
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Minnesota Department of Health
WHAT: Nursing Mothers Webinars
WHEN: Aug. 18, 2021 at 2-3 p.m. CDT
WHERE: Register for events here
The Wage and Hour Division will discuss federal laws covering expressing breast milk in the workplace and related workplace accommodations, while state health officials will review the process for becoming a breastfeeding-friendly organization and how doing so can help an employer’s bottom line. The state’s Department of Labor and Industry will discuss provisions of state law regarding pregnant employee accommodations, nursing in the workplace and the state’s Women's Economic Security Act.
The events coincide with the August’s National Breastfeeding Month commemoration and World Breastfeeding Week from Aug. 1-7, 2021.
Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division.
You can learn more in this interview with Kristin Tout, Assistant District Director, Minneapolis District Office
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
Why is it important for employers and employees to be fully aware of what is covered under the law?
When employers fully understand they law, they are in a position to ensure compliance. Taking that time to read, listen, ask questions, and obtain additional resources is a start. It is important for employees to know their rights so that they can advocate for themselves and each other. Knowing what is covered under the law is the first step in empowering workers to resolve instances of non-compliance. This may mean working internally with an employer to improve the workplace. Alternatively, it may mean seeking help from an enforcement agency like the Wage & Hour Division.
How does it benefit workplaces to provide an environment conducive to supporting nursing mothers?
The Wage & Hour Division’s mission is to achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation’s workforce. As an enforcement agency, we recognize various benefits to compliance with the nursing mother protections of the FLSA – aside from compliance being the required and right thing to do. An employer who supports nursing mothers in the workplace by providing reasonable break time and a secure place for employees to express milk goes beyond protecting the safety and health of mother and child. That employer’s supportive policies and practices encourages women to continue employment and to return to that employer following maternity leave.
If employers can't make the webinar, where are other good sources of information on being a breastfeeding-friendly workplace?
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
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