G-4-1 Lactation Policy

Updated: 11/6/2023

Federal and Oregon Law require employers to support breastfeeding employees by providing reasonable break times and space to express or pump milk at work each time the employee has a need to do so. These laws apply to and protect hourly, salaried, and part-time workers up to two years after the birth of the covered employee’s child. Rest breaks for an employee to express or pump milk count as paid work time for purposes of wages and health insurance eligibility. It is illegal to discriminate against workers because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.

In support of our employees, and in compliance with Federal and State laws, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) will provide reasonable break times and a suitable location for employees to express or pump milk. The location will be private and within walking distance from the employee's work area and cannot be a toilet stall or restroom. The space will be functional to meet the need and contain a chair and table, and access to a nearby electrical outlet and washing facilities. It will be clean and free from interruptions and the public.

Employees at COCC work sites that do not have a designated lactation area are invited to contact Human Resources to arrange a suitable location. In the event that no suitable area is within close walking distance of an employee's work area, the employee should contact Human Resources to discuss allowing a reasonable amount of time for the employee to walk to and from an identified lactation area.

When possible, an employee shall provide reasonable notice to the College regarding the employee’s intent to express milk. Failure to provide notice is not grounds for discipline. An employee covered under this policy may store expressed milk in a refrigerator made available to employees. If a refrigerator is not available, the employee may contact their supervisor to arrange another alternative, such as a cooler.