Earlier this week, an employee of a popular, nationwide coffee chain filed a proposed class action lawsuit alleging a “systemic failure” by the company to provide proper lactation space and break time to nursing employees at its various California locations in violation of California law. This lawsuit is one of a number of massive, purported class action lawsuits recently filed against employers throughout the country alleging similar types of violations.
A reminder that federal, state, and local laws impose significant obligations on employers with respect to nursing employees. For more information on the federal law, called the Pump Act, see the DOL’s frequently asked questions about the law are here: Frequently Asked Questions – Pumping Breast Milk at Work | U.S. Department of Labor
Make sure to consult with legal counsel to ensure that your policies and practices comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, and to implement best practices when welcoming back employees from leave following the birth of a child.