The US government has introduced two new laws to support pregnant people and new parents in the workplace. he PUMP Act, short for Providing Urgent Maternal Protection Act, was signed into law in December 2022. It became effective on April 28, 2023.
This law requires businesses to provide adequate space and accommodations for nursing parents, with penalties for those who do not comply. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will take effect on June 2023. It requires employers to provide reasonable adjustments for pregnant workers.
Historically, pregnant people and new parents have not received adequate support from US public policy and laws. It has taken a long time for the necessary laws to be enacted. Pregnant workers have not had the guarantee of being able to earn an income while having a healthy and safe pregnancy.
The PUMP Act aims to address this issue by providing greater protection to nursing employees. The 2010 Break Time Law provides protections for salaried and other categorized employees.
Businesses must give their employees an allocated area. This area should be suitable for pumping breast milk. They must provide this area for up to twelve months after their baby is born. This space should be available as frequently as needed.
The legislation outlines precisely when employees are entitled to be compensated for their time spent pumping. All employers must comply, regardless of business size.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act seeks to protect and empower women. It does this by prohibiting discrimination and providing necessary workplace modifications. These modifications are for those whose job duties are hindered by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This legislation applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
This organization offers job responsibilities tailored to the needs of pregnant individuals or those who have recently given birth.
These responsibilities are limited or adapted to ensure they can be adjusted. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act pregnancy or childbirth. It is illegal to treat potential or current workers unfairly because of their need for assistance due to pregnancy.
These laws are important steps towards greater equality and support for pregnant people and new parents in the workplace. They recognize the difficulty of juggling work and family. They want to make sure people have the help they need to succeed in both.
They have done this by introducing the PUMP Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. These laws provide clear regulations and penalties for non-compliance, sending a strong message of support.
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