Syracuse University is committed to supporting the needs of nursing mothers and complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Laws regarding the rights of employees who need to express breast milk during the workday.
Consistent with the law, the University will provide reasonable time away from work for lactating employees for the purpose of expressing milk and will provide a private space in proximity to the employee’s work area for such purpose, for up to three years following childbirth.
Lactating employees may make a written request for time away from work and a private space for lactation by contacting their Senior Human Resources Business Partner or their supervisor. Upon receipt of the employee’s request, within a reasonable time frame, not to exceed five days, the Senior HR Business Partner and/or the supervisor will make reasonable efforts to provide a private space for lactation to the employee.
The University’s policy on Nursing Mothers in the Workplace is currently under review. In the interim please reference the New York State Policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace [PDF] to understand employment-related rights and obligations and what support is available to University employees.
Discrimination against or termination of an employee for exercising this right is prohibited.
For additional information and resources, please visit the Human Resources website.