Alia Wynne’s article “6 Lactation Break Policy
Considerations For Employers” was featured in Law
360 on June 22, 2015.
The lactation break requirement under the Fair Labor Standards
Act has been in effect for about five years now. At a minimum, the
FLSA requires covered employers to provide: (1) a reasonable break
time for employees to express breast milk each time they need to
express the milk and (2) a place — not a bathroom — to
express milk that is shielded from view and free from intrusion by
others.
The accommodations and arrangements offered by employers have
varied widely, and working moms are comparing notes. Employers may
be at a disadvantage in attracting and retaining female talent if
their efforts to accommodate nursing mothers are perceived as
halfhearted. Employers may even be violating the FLSA if the
arrangements are too time¬consuming or impracticable. But, with
some careful thought and planning, efficient lactation break
procedures can benefit
