WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of Labor will begin a series of events in August to highlight the importance of maternal health and workplace protections for expectant and new mothers as the country marks National Breastfeeding Month.
On Aug. 10, the department’s Wage and Hour Division and Women’s Bureau will present “Working Mothers: What to Expect from Your Employer When You’re Expecting,” a public webinar from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
The first in the department’s Maternal Health Series, the event will bring together representatives of the division and the bureau, along with representatives of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, who will share and discuss federal protections to prevent discrimination against pregnant workers, provide time off for the birth or adoption of a child, and ensure that working mothers may take breaks to express breast milk and do so in private.
“Federal law forbids employers from discriminating against pregnant women or working mothers,” said Principal Deputy Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “Whether women need to take leave for a medical appointment, to bond with their newborn, adopted or foster child, or to express breast milk privately and safely, working mothers have rights under the law. We encourage working women, employers and other stakeholders to know their rights and responsibilities and to seek our assistance if needed.”
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