Penalized for Pumping at Work?

friarrico · July 2009

I was just notified today that I have to make up for the time I close my door to pump. I work 8-9 hour days and so have to pump at least 2-3 times during the day. Now I have to work extra hours to make up for the 20-minute sessions I spend behind closed doors. I've been back to work since June 15th and they just now bring this up.

Does anyone else have a situation similar to this?

Thanks!

light52 · July 2009

Is that even legal? When I was working, I always tried to get to work a little early and I cut lunch short to semi make up for my pumping time. Also, as much as possible, I worked while I pumped. I was not blessed to have an office to pump in but if someone was out, they always told me I could use their office and their computer in order to get work done.

DoubleDiamond · July 2009

Can you get any work done while you pump? I'm always pumping while doing other things...

jenella17 · July 2009

Aren't you allowed a couple breaks in there besides lunch? I agree, weird they would bring it up now.

Mistyl · July 2009

Say what?! That is ridiculous!

Temp552270562505132 · July 2009

is that legal?

also if you get a one hour lunch - instead of taking lunch can't you just eat while you work and use the "hour" for 3 20 min pumping sessions?

PeacheeKeen · July 2009

I think that's total crap! I wonder if there are any laws protecting you here? I mean, aren't they required to give you so many breaks throughout the day?

Sorry that stinks

ljlkm · July 2009

Are you exempt or non-exempt?

JLS0320 · July 2009

I would go to HR, for a 9 hr day you should get 2 15 min breaks and a lunch, so there's your 3 pumps. What about the smokers? Are they getting a break?

NewLerma · July 2009

If you go to kellymom or LLL they should have the law website for your state. I believe it is is illegal (at least in Ca) to not give you breaks, I had to get a note from the Pedi saying that I was EBF but that wasn't a big deal for me.

mAnYaSha · July 2009

JLS0320:
I would go to HR, for a 9 hr day you should get 2 15 min breaks and a lunch, so there's your 3 pumps. What about the smokers? Are they getting a break?

this

friarrico · July 2009

I for for a 4-yr college. And yes, I do/can work while I pump. I just find it interesting that my boss brings it up now. It was stated that the time my door is closed, means that I am unavailable and I don't get paid to be unavailable. There was discussions about making up time on weekends and other times that I have to be on campus during off hours. She did mention something about 2-15 minute breaks that were allowed for support staff, but wasn't sure about professtional staff (which is where I fall). UGH!

I mean, I can see her point, but seriously? I kind of feel like I am being pinged for wanting to breastfeed instead of formula feed.

JAWMIN · July 2009

I think thatis wrong! They are doing a good job at discouraging breastfeeding mothers. The laws very by state, so you may want to look into them.

friarrico · July 2009

I should say I work for a 4-year college. I can't type today.

madhatter2003 · July 2009

friarrico:
I for for a 4-yr college. And yes, I do/can work while I pump. I just find it interesting that my boss brings it up now. It was stated that the time my door is closed, means that I am unavailable and I don't get paid to be unavailable. There was discussions about making up time on weekends and other times that I have to be on campus during off hours. She did mention something about 2-15 minute breaks that were allowed for support staff, but wasn't sure about professtional staff (which is where I fall). UGH!

I mean, I can see her point, but seriously? I kind of feel like I am being pinged for wanting to breastfeed instead of formula feed.

I answered you on bfing as well....but that is total crapola by your boss. Tell him you'll pump with your door open then.

MarriedBestFriends · July 2009

Check your state's laws! Public policy is pro-breastfeeding---it positively affects us all (lowering medical costs for those children, etc.).?

bridetobe05 · July 2009

Is that even legal? I would talk to HR about it. That seems ridiculous!! Hope it works out for you.

elliesinclair · July 2009

Tell them you are available while you are pumping and have no problem keeping the door open! See what he says then. Good Luck!

eml569 · July 2009

Seriously? Get your nursing cover out and pump with the door open. Then you're very much available. I hope you have the balls to do this, bc it would make a wonderful point. Whoever said people who work in higher education are liberal?

Either way, call up your HR person. I'm guessing this is something your boss has cooked up on his/her own, and isn't endorsed by the U at all.

friarrico · August 2009

I have seriously considered pumping with my door open just to prove a point. I am still looking into the whole 15-minute break thing. Since I am considered professional staff, it is not strictly outlined in the handbook.

It still makes me mad that they bring this stuff up now and not when I returned to work over a month and a half ago!!!! What kills me is that my boss is a woman with two kids and should be somewhat sympathetic to my plight...but alas no...

She says that we need to keep things equal in our office, that there are people on campus who monitor stuff like this because they have nothing else better to do with their time. She just wants to make sure that we keep everything accurate and documented.

I should just invest in a hands-free pump, a nursing cover and leave my door open. That way I'm "available" when ever someone needs me. The funny thing is that I have a large chest, so it could get interesting.

Want a personalized experience?

Penalized for Pumping at Work?

Re: Penalized for Pumping at Work?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards