Lactation Time - Working Time?

Since June 1, 2014, new regulations regarding breastfeeding of workers apply.

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That the employer must count lactation of employees as working time, is not new. Since June 1, 2014, however, new rules apply.

The following lactation periods must be counted as paid (!) working time:

• daily working time up to 4h: 30 minutes
• daily working time of >4 hours: 60 minutes
• daily working time of >7 hours: 90 minutes

This applies during the child's first year of life. To distinguish if the child is breastfed in the company or outside, is not necessary anymore. This also applies if the mother is expressing the milk for the child.

Should breastfeeding take longer, the employer still must give the time off, but neither has to pay it nor credit it as working time. Should breastfeeding take less time, just the time actually required is to count, although the evidence - especially with external breastfeeding - will be difficult.

Source: Centre Patronal

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