Nursing Worker Protections to Expand as Carveouts Rattle Nerves

Legislation expanding protections for millions of women who need time and space to pump breast milk at work is making waves in the transportation industry, where its uneven application has angered worker and business advocates alike.

The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, included in the fiscal year 2023 government funding package as an amendment from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), mandates that companies of over 50 employees to provide a private space and certain break times for nursing mothers to express breast milk.

But an 11th-hour compromise eases those requirements for rail and motor coach operators and exempts air carriers from ...