A new law requiring employers to accommodate pregnant workers takes effect Tuesday and spells the first major advancement of their rights in four decades. With 2.8 million women a year pregnant on the job according to an analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families, it’s hoped the law will ultimately enable more of them to participate in the labor force. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will allow pregnant workers to make requests such as lighter duty in lifting objects and will protect against retaliation for making such requests. It applies to businesses with 15 or more employees.
The law may also:
- Act as a “backdoor” expansion of maternity leave by allowing more employees to request leave to recover from childbirth, according to Axios — especially those who don’t qualify for the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Allow workers to also ask for time off for pregnancy-related conditions such as miscarriage or mastitis — or potentially for abortions.
By Cate Chapman, Editor at LinkedIn News
WE DID IT!! Tomorrow, June 27, marks a significant milestone as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a groundbreaking federal law, takes effect. This long-awaited legislation is a major stride forward for the rights of pregnant workers, representing the first significant breakthrough in over #fourdecades
As a mother who personally experienced the challenges, both physical and mental, of returning to work too soon after giving birth, I can attest to the urgent need for this law.
I was advised by well-meaning “advisors”, that I would need to pick between having a successful career or a family. This law is a giant leap forward in achieving #genderequity in the #workplace and will empower women and transgender women to not have to make the #choice I was presented with.
In the years to come, this law will play a vital role in supporting mothers, particularly those in physically demanding jobs and male-dominated workplaces, to have healthier pregnancies while maintaining their financial stability. Moreover, it recognizes the importance of allowing individuals to recover both physically and mentally from the challenges of childbirth.
What sets this law apart is its broader coverage compared to the #FMLA and its more inclusive eligibility criteria. It offers crucial support by granting workers the ability to take time off for pregnancy-related health issues, including miscarriage, postpartum depression, and mastitis.
While celebrating this achievement, let’s also reflect on the sobering realities surrounding #pregnancy and #childbirth in the United States today:
🤰Approximately 700 women die each year in the United States as a result of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Common childbirth complications include postpartum hemorrhage, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, and cesarean section complications.
🤰The maternal mortality rate in the United States is about 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. (Source: CDC)
🤰Black women are disproportionately affected by #maternalmortality with a rate of around 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.7 for white women and 11.8 for Hispanic women.
🤰Approximately 1 in 7 women (about 15-20%) experience #postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can manifest as feelings of sadness, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, changes in appetite, and difficulties bonding with the baby.
We would’nt be here without the tireless efforts of organizations like A Better Balance, MomsRising.org, ACLU and advocates such as Sarah Brafman Reshma Saujani and @Gillian Thomas
BY RASHMI RAO
📢Starting tomorrow, June 27, 2023, the grace period for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) comes to an end. This momentous legislation ensures fair treatment and accommodations for pregnant employees in the workplace. It’s time to ensure your business is in compliance and ready to support working parents.
At Designer Milkies, we understand that while family is a priority, so is the success of your business. That’s why our corporate lactation solutions are designed to provide comprehensive support to lactating parents, helping them navigate the challenges of harmonizing work and family responsibilities while ensuring your organization thrives.
We offer tailored solutions that address the specific lactation needs of your employees, including prenatal lactation preparation, expert lactation support during parental leave, and guidance for a seamless transition back into the workforce. Our approach aligns with the requirements of the 2023 PWFA and 2023 PUMP Act, ensuring your business meets compliance standards while fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
By investing in lactation support, you not only comply with the law but also demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of your employees. Accommodating lactating parents with private lactation spaces, flexible work arrangements, and access to expert lactation consultants can boost employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. It’s a win-win for both your business and your valued team members.
Designer Milkies is here to guide you through this transition and help you create a workplace culture that values both the family and your business’s success. Our experienced team is ready to collaborate with your organization to implement effective lactation solutions that drive employee satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty.
Now is the time to prioritize the needs of working parents and position your business as an employer of choice. Contact Designer Milkies today to learn more about how our specific lactation solutions can support your business goals while ensuring the well-being of your employees and their growing families.
Together, let’s 🥳celebrate this milestone and create a workplace where the success of your business and the needs of your employees go hand in hand!