Oregon and Merkley take the lead for working mothers

Posted by Carla Axtman on February 11, 2008

I've mentioned previously in this space how House Speaker Jeff Merkley led the 2007 Oregon legislature to the most progressive and productive session in 30 years.

Many Oregonians are already aware of this fact. But I find it especially gratifying when individuals from other areas look to our state and that session as a place where real groundbreaking, progressive legislation came to be:

All eyes are now on Oregon and its national precedent setting action. And while employers are reacting positively, it is still recommended that mothers intending to take advantage of their new right notify their employer’s human resources department to provide ample notice.

Basics include:

*Reasonable rest periods must be provided, which translates into a 30 minute break for every 4 hours worked. (Exceptions may fall under the “undue hardships” employer provision, which may affect nursing moms who may be the only employee working the graveyard or swing shift.)

*Breaks are not required by the new law to be paid. If an employer is required by another law or contractual obligation to provide paid rest or meal breaks, it is recommended mothers use that time instead for pumping.
*
If an employee cannot pump during her regular break, she is entitled to additional, unpaid, 30-minute pumping breaks.

*A private location, other than a public bathroom or toilet stall, must be provided that is near the employee’s work station.

*The employee is responsible for storing her own pumped milk while the employer must allow workers to bring in coolers or insulated containers and provide space to store the container.

*Breastfeeding moms are covered by the law until their child reaches 18 months of age.

*Employers who do not comply can face penalties of up to $1,000 in the form of civil fines.

“There is no nutrient as important to an infant as breastmilk,” Oregon House of Representatives House Speaker Jeff Merkley was quoted as saying before the bill went to the Senate for approval. “This bill gives nursing mothers more opportunities to provide that nourishment to their children and that is something we should encourage in as many ways as possible.”

There's more over at babygooroo.com