Good news for
pregnant and nursing moms in
Massachusetts—they just gained a host of new protections, after state Gov. Charlie Baker signed the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
The bipartisan bill prohibits workplace and hiring discrimination related to
pregnancy and nursing, and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for expectant and new mothers in the workplace. This includes giving them access to less strenuous workloads, modified work schedules, more frequent or longer paid or unpaid breaks, time off with or without pay and access to private
nursing space that
isn't a bathroom.
“This bipartisan legislation extends critical protections to women in the workplace and I thank the Legislature for their collaboration with advocates from both the women’s health and business communities,” said Gov. Baker. “These provisions are important to expectant and working moms supporting their families and raising healthy children.”
Lawmakers also expressed thanks to the many moms who bravely came forward to share their stories and support the bill as it made its way to the governor’s desk.
“As a working mom, I know how important it is to balance job responsibilities and family life to support our kids,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “Ensuring women in the workplace raising their children have access to these protections is important to the strength and safety of our economy, families and communities.”
We couldn’t agree more! The legislation will go into effect on April 1, 2018. Let’s hope other states take note.
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