Are you familiar with the PUMP Act and PWF Act?

According to the online publication, The Playbook, recent federal legislation has the potential for significant impact to small businesses as well as large businesses.  The “Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act” (PUMP Act) has already gone into effect, but enforcement provisions just started on April 28^th of this year. 

Here are some of the details:  It requires a private space for workers to pump breast milk, and that space must be shielded from view, and it cannot be a bathroom.  That could mean a lock on the door and signage outside, but the space does not have to be solely dedicated to pumping breast milk.  The location does have to include a sink to wash hands and pump parts, and a private refrigerator to store safely breast milk.  And a worker can file a lawsuit to seek monetary remedies in the event the employer doesn’t comply with the law.  There are other regulations as part of the act as well.  Businesses should review the act as soon as possible

It applies to all businesses, with the only exception that businesses under 50 employees can appeal for an exception if they can demonstrate that the law causes undue hardship.  However, no one knows how successful appeals may be.  It will be enforced by the Department of Labor.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was passed into law and extends the Americans with Disabilities Act to cover pregnant workers.  This applies to businesses with 15 or more employees and goes into effect June 27^th. 

Smaller companies need to be aware that Federal Agencies are stepping up establishing and enforcing rules for small businesses.  It’s time now to be sure you understand these rules.  Waiting until your are cited for violations in some cases can mean up to a $300,000 fine per employee per occurrence.