An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General found probable cause that Starbucks violated laws against discrimination when the coffee chain allegedly failed to provide a breastfeeding barista adequate space to pump milk.
A barista in Sicklerville said she requested a private space to pump her breastmilk during her shift. Instead of a private room, according to the investigation, the store’s manager purchased a tri-fold privacy screen set in a back room near sinks, storage, and products. Co-workers occasionally bumped into the screen, making the barista nervous about the lack of privacy and instability of the screen.
After once again requesting a private space, her manager allegedly returned to her with two options: accept the privacy screen or extend her leave of absence. She opted to take two months of unpaid leave because she felt unsafe and uncomfortable in the work environment.
“These protections are essential because no working parent should ever have to choose between working their shift and feeding their child,” Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a release. “Violating the law in this context is illegal, and it too often has the deeply damaging effect of pushing new mothers out of the workforce. The enforcement action announced today underscores our ongoing commitment to protecting working parents from discrimination and puts employers on notice: if you violate our laws, we will hold you accountable.”
With the finding of probable cause, the parties will have a chance to negotiate a voluntary settlement. If no settlement is reached, the Division on Civil Rights will appoint a deputy attorney general to prosecute the case.
“New Jersey’s powerful civil rights laws offer protections to workers who need to express milk during the workday,” said Yolanda N. Melville, the director of the Division on Civil Rights. “We’re committed to fighting for the rights of postpartum employees who need accommodations to return to work while maintaining their milk supply so that they are not forced by their employer to endure unacceptable conditions in order to feed their baby.”
Starbucks did not immediately return a request for comment.
