New Law on Breastfeeding at Work

There is good news on the work front for women in New Jersey. On Monday, Governor Chris Christie signed a law that requires employers to allow women to breastfeed or to express breast milk during the work day. The new law is effective immediately.

According to the legislation, breastfeeding at work is now protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Employers must not only allow breaks, they must also provide a private room or suitable space where women can breastfeed or express breast milk. The room must be close to the work area, and cannot be a toilet stall.

Employers will not be required to pay women during this time, unless they are already compensated for breaks. All employers are required to comply with this law, unless they can provide proof that doing so would create an “undue hardship on business operations.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, New Jersey is the 18^th state to enact a law that protects breastfeeding mothers at work. There are similar protections provided by Federal law, but they only apply to businesses that employ 50 or more employees.

Red Bank Employment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Support Women’s Rights in the Workplace

For many years, women have tread lightly at work around issues relating to pregnancy and new parenthood. When their rights are violated, many women are hesitant to stand up for their rights out of fear of retaliation. The legal team at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. are zealous advocates for women’s rights in the workplace. We work tirelessly to protect New Jersey workers from discrimination, and hold employers who break the law accountable for their actions.

If you are facing an issue at work related to breastfeeding, family leave, or any other employment law issue, we can help. Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation.