I'm a nursing Mum, USA, and my work (transportation) is not protected by the pump act. https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/the-pump-act-explained.html I was told via email from HR that they "do not make accommodations for crewmembers." Legally they don't have to, so I applied for disability. It was denied with some accommodations for my return to work that needed clarification, but I didn't expect much more. I then started my return to work process, including a medical return to work form for my provider to complete. The provider used the exact same, cut and paste, language as the original request for disability form. My return to work has been denied because they cannot accommodate me. Local unions advice: break the rules. So, yes, lawyer up, of course. However, that will take months or years (like the Frontier case https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/settlement-reached-frontier-airlines-pregnancy-and-lactation-discrimination-lawsuit ) and I am running low on my savings.
So, despite ten years with my company, I will now lose my $50~/hr pay, schedule seniority, union Healthcare, tribal knowledge, skills etc and go to another company. All because I wanted twenty minutes every four hours to pump for my baby - some coworkers take longer shits.
Regular pumping avoids mastitis and maintains flow. Breastfed babies have less health problems in early years. Nursing mothers have lower instances of certain cancers. Formula is a great invention, but costs money, and just isn't a good fit for my family. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/breastfeeding-benefits/index.html
I don’t know if it would be helpful (it may be harmful, who knows…), but I can’t imagine a local news station not being interested in this story. I can hear it now:
As a former local news writer - let me punch up that tease for you.
“A mother says she was trying to do what’s best for her baby - but her boss said not on my watch.” soundbite from mom tearing up about the loss of her job* “Tonight, why caring for your children may cost you your livelihood.”
OP, feel free to add this to your email when you contact the news station - any assignment desk manager worth their salt will be calling you within minutes.
This is great, thank you
Before you do this, you have to decide your strategy. A lawyer - any lawyer - will tell you not to talk to the press while the matter is going through the courts.
You were right, lawyer said no press.
And it would make my company look bad, as they should, but its not just them. The law should mandate procedures to protect parents. Even for transportation workers.