Work, Pay & Leave Rights · Surprise rank #282
Need to Pump at Work? New York Requires Paid Breaks and a Private Space
New York employees can take paid 30-minute breaks to express breast milk whenever reasonably needed for up to three years after childbirth, and employers must provide an appropriate private space close to the work area.
Who
Employees in New York who need to express breast milk at work for up to three years following childbirth.
Where: New York State workplaces.
What to do
Start here: Send a written request to your supervisor or HR stating that you need pumping breaks and a compliant private space, including your expected break schedule if known.
Eligibility: Notify the employer in writing of the need to express breast milk. The right applies for up to three years following childbirth.
What you get
State labor law requires paid pumping breaks and a private lactation location. Employees can also use existing meal or paid break time if additional time is needed.
Benefit: Paid 30-minute pumping breaks as often as reasonably needed, plus access to a private location for pumping.
Possible value: The benefit is paid work time and protected access to a private space; its dollar value depends on wages and how often breaks are needed.
Good to know
Important: The paid entitlement is 30 minutes whenever reasonably needed. If more time is needed, employees may use existing paid breaks or meal time; employers cannot force an employee to make up the paid pumping time later.
Availability: Current statewide workplace right.
Why people miss it: Many workers know federal pumping protections exist but do not realize New York separately requires the first 30 minutes to be paid.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026