Last week, Oregon's Senate passed HB 2372. The law requires most employers to provide two 30-minute unpaid rest periods for pumping during an 8-hour work day. Employers are also required to provide a private location for the employee to express milk. The law does not cover employers with fewer than 25 employees, and it exempts employers if the requirements pose an “undue hardship” in light of the size, financial resources, nature or structure of the employer’s business. This new law comes with a stiff penalty for violations: the Oregon Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for willful violations of the law.
Progress? Room for improvement? Have you encountered issues previously when trying to pump or nurse at work?
Yes! Another great bill for working mothers (and their little ones). This will certainly help to encourage working mothers to breastfeed; and we need all the support we can get.
Posted by: hau | May 11, 2007 at 06:46 AM