At NMC, we prioritize creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and support for all employees, particularly those expecting children. To further strengthen this commitment, we’d like to inform you about two important legal protections: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and The Providing Useful Maternity Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act).
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) strengthens existing protections for pregnant employees by mandating that employers with 15 or more employees provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This empowers expecting employees to request adjustments that help them effectively perform their jobs.
Examples of Reasonable Accommodations under the PWFA:
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- Modifications to work schedules (e.g., temporary changes to start/end times)
- Adjustments to the physical workspace (e.g., ergonomic furniture)
- Increased access to breaks
- Breaks to express milk and access to a lactation space
How to Request a PWFA Accommodation
If you are pregnant and require accommodation due to a limitation, please reach out to your supervisor for open communication. You can simply inform them of the limitation and your need for an adjustment. There’s no requirement to specifically mention the PWFA.
If the request is easily agreed upon with your supervisor please just move forward with implementation. If the request requires some additional support or conversation, please reach out to Human Resources and we will work together to identify a reasonable accommodation that addresses the need while minimizing any undue hardship to NMC.
The Providing Useful Maternity Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) mandates that employers with 50 or more employees provide a clean and private, non-bathroom space for nursing mothers to express breast milk. This space must be accessible during working hours and break times.
Additional Resources
For further information on the PWFA and PUMP Act, and your rights as an employee, we recommend visiting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) websites.
NMC remains dedicated to supporting expecting parents. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the PWFA, PUMP Act, or your needs as an expecting parent, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor, or Human Resources.
Additional information will be shared through policy, with specific identification of lactation spaces on NMC’s campuses in the near future. If you need any assistance identifying an appropriate space, please contact Human Resources.