New York Employers Should Be Mindful of New Break and Leave Laws Affecting Pregnant and Nursing Employees
Key Takeaways: All nursing employees are entitled to a 30-minute paid break to express breast milk each time an employee “has reasonable need” to do so The NY DOL’s written policy on employees’ rights to express breast milk must be provided at hire, annually, and when an employee returns from work following the birth of a child Effective January 1, 2025, eligible employees will be entitled to 20 hours of paid prenatal leave, in addition to sick time Paid Lactation Breaks Effective June 19, 2024, New York Labor Law § 206-c was amended to provide employees a 30-minute paid break to express breast milk. This 30-minute paid break time to express milk in the workplace is applicable to all public and private employees regardless of employer size or industry. Employees may take a 30-minute paid break to pump breast milk at work for up to three years following the birth of a child, and employees are entitled to as many 30-minute paid breaks as reasonably needed. The 30-minu...