Walking the Walk
by Kate Kahn - 24th June 2008
Hats off to California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet. Yesterday Ms. Bradstreet dished out a citation to a California company for not complying with a law that mandates companies provide private accomodations and enough break time for employees to pump breast milk while at work. It's the first citation of its kind since the law took effect six years ago and was prompted by the first complaint lodged under the law. The penalty? A $4,000 fine. Apparently the company thought that a computer server room with security cameras constituted enough of a private space! Laughable, I know.
Most states have laws on the books that mandate companies to provide private, comfortable, and clean spaces for their employees who want to express their milk. Sometimes women don't want to cause problems at work fearing recrimination. But unless women lodge complaints when the law isn't being adhered to, enforcement is empty. So ladies, you should feel empowered. The law is behind you. Now it's up to you to make sure your workplaces stick to it. Hopefully cases such as this California one will serve as motivation.
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