Women’s advocate to monitor nursing rooms, warns of fines up to $10,000

The Office of the Women’s Advocate’s “Path to Compliance” workplace nursing room initiative will be carried out in conjunction with the Department of Labor and Human Resources, the Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Health. (Facebook via Oficina de la Procuradora de las Mujeres)

By THE STAR STAFF

Women’s Advocate Astrid Piñeiro Vázquez announced a campaign on Wednesday involving outreach and inspections to monitor compliance regarding the rights of breastfeeding mothers in public and private workplaces.

“With the launch of the ‘Path to Compliance’ campaign, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to moving beyond laws that exist merely on paper toward real-world effectiveness in the lives of every working woman in Puerto Rico,” Piñeiro Vázquez said in a written statement.

The initiative, launched during World Breastfeeding Awareness Month, will be carried out in conjunction with the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH by its initials in Spanish), the Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Health.

“We are confident that this effort will be an opportunity for employers to learn and ensure adequate spaces that facilitate breastfeeding and strengthen the special bond between mother and child,” DTRH Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova said.

Agency personnel will provide guidance to employers regarding the Lactation Code, the prevention of workplace discrimination, the setup of nursing rooms and occupational safety standards. The Women’s Advocate Office (OPM) also published guidelines outlining the requirements these spaces must meet.

The rooms cannot be located inside restrooms or contain security cameras. Furthermore, they must be equipped with a dedicated refrigerator for storing breast milk, a seat, a table, a trash receptacle, potable water, space for cleaning pumping equipment, ventilation, lighting, electrical outlets, a lock, and proper signage.

Under Law 87-2025, workers have the right to a paid break of at least one hour per workday to breastfeed or express milk, applicable to both full-time and part-time employment. The protection extends for at least one year following the employee’s return to work.

The period counts as working time; therefore, the employer cannot reduce wages, require the making up of missed hours, or alter work shifts without the employee’s agreement.

“The guidelines we have published serve as a clear roadmap for every employer to recognize their obligations and ensure spaces that are optimal, dignified, and hygienic,” Piñeiro Vázquez added.

Non-compliance may lead to investigations, formal complaints, civil compensation, and administrative fines of up to $10,000 imposed by the OPM.

As part of the campaign, an educational session for healthcare personnel will be held on Aug. 21 at Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital in Bayamón. The event will include guidance on the Breastfeeding Code, support during childbirth, and protocols for handling domestic violence cases.