by A working mother of a baby walked into her designated pump space, ready to pump. What did she not expect? A camera Staring at her immediately.
Tick -maker Ari Vassallo (@Arivassallo914) shared the moment in a now viral video (16m+ views), where the pure disbelief was recorded to realize her “private” pump space, was not that private.
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“I only realize that the room that had to pump me has a camera.”
Internet? Absolutely losing. Some were confused (@Amkqq_.: “What is a pump room?”). Others were furious (@Zerotwo: “This world is not women -friendly”) Or just put on the ground that this is even something.
The situation has fueled a much larger conversation: What exactly are the rights to breastfeed mothers at work? And why are the US still making it so difficult?
Related: 5 effective ways to talk to your boss about pumping rights to work
What the law actually says
According to New York Labor Law 206-Cemployers must Provide a private room, non-bathroom room for pumping. Without June 2024The law guarantees:
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A private room, Shielding from view
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A Functional lock or, for cabins, a warning signal
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No public admission While in use
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Paid 30 minutes pumping breaks, In addition to meal breaks
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No limit on the number of breaks
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No requirement to work during the pump time
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Protection to pump for maximum Three years after the birth
An important problem? The law does not explicitly prohibit security cameras. Although it says that the space must be ‘free of burglary’ and ‘protected from view’, it is not specifically going on cameras. This means that, depending on how an employer interprets the rules, a security camera in a lactation space can be technically permitted and serious questions about privacy and workplace protection can be accrued.
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What to do if this happens to you:
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Get it on writing—Document you told you to pump there.
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Collect coupons-Mak photos, note dates and collect evidence.
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Know your rights—New York Law is clear about privacy, even if it does not describe every detail.
Ari was not only angry with the camera – she was angry with the wider issue of how the US treats working mothers. She shared in another video:
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“I have colleagues from other countries who say they have entire pregnancy wings – with banks, nursing rooms and real accommodations. And here I am … in a glorified storage cupboard with a security camera. “
She’s not wrong. Compared to other developed countries, the US is notorious when it comes to supporting new mothers. Limited maternity leave, lack of paid childcare and apparently pump rooms with security cameras.
Working mothers deserve better. Point. More than a “room with a lock” – they earn it really Privacy, Real support, and functional Policy that does not feel like a side issue.
And if your boss tells you to pump a room with a camera? Maybe send them this article.
Related: Pumps at work is work
