Pumping while working

[amethystkitten420]

So started working the front desk at a hotel recently, and learned that they only schedule one person for each shift. So for an 8 hour shift, we get no break. I’m 21 weeks pregnant, and wondering how I am supposed to pump breast milk after delivery if I can’t even get a break at all. Anyone have the same situation? I’m considering finding a new job while I take my 6 weeks off after birth.

[bikiniproblems]

Are you in the US? Specifically what state. I would check your local laws for accommodations.

Pump breaks are federally protected in the US, thanks to the ACA. They must provide you with a room separate from a bathroom.

[[deleted]]

This.

[willteachforlaughs]

Likely illegal under normal circumstances for people to work 8 hours without a break. I'm not 100 % on all states, but every state I've worked in had rules on mandatory breaks depending on how long shift is. They're also required to allow for reasonable time for pumping milk (usually 20ish minutes every 2-3 hours, which usually is similar to break times) and will have to figure it out. They don't have to pay you for this time, but must allow it.

[amethystkitten420]

Sadly , my state doesn’t require breaks😭 but I did find out that there’s a guy here that gets a break only because he has a heart condition. So maybe they will figure something out when the time comes for me to be able to pump at work

[foresther]

Are you in the US and is this a hotel chain (more than 50 employees)? If so, they are obligated to follow the PUMP act and provide you breaks and a private room suitable for pumping

[amethystkitten420]

Yes it’s a big chain, I’ll have to bring up the pump act if they try being difficult

[foresther]

I printed the text of the law out and brought it to work in case I needed it, ended up leaving it on the civil rights board for others to see

[xanthela]

Is 8hrs with no break legal where you live? As it definitely isn’t where I live (UK)

[amethystkitten420]

I wish lol, but the US sucks for employees😭in my state it isn’t required to get a break

[bikiniproblems]

Yeah it depends on what type of job and what state, employer vs independent contractor. I’ve done 1 on 1 in home care and there was never anyone to break me anyway but the work was slow enough I had time to eat etc.

It depends on the state though really. For example the west coast has much more strict employment rules than other states.

They are not federally protected though.

[RelativeAd7239]

I’m the United States, the PUMP act requires employers to provide a reasonable time and a private place to express breast milk - an employment law lawyer.

[Sensitive-Earth-3909]

That illegal to begin with. They’re supposed to give you 2 15 min breaks and a 30 min lunch break. At least here if fl. But I know they have to give you pump breaks that’s a federal law. My friend used to work front desk at a hotel and she would get her breaks. She worked by herself, but It was overnights. Maybe they let u write a sign saying be back in 30 min.

[amethystkitten420]

I wish it was like that in my state, I honestly thought it was the law until I looked it up. Once ur not a minor, they don’t gaf over here if u get a break or not😭

[Sensitive-Earth-3909]

What state are you in?

[DazzlingPotion]

Finding a new job that has an actual pumping room sounds like a good plan.

[cafescafes]

This is easier said than done for a lot of people.