Self Advocacy
Not getting accommodated at work in CA? Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to your employer. Share the worksite lactation accommodation law (Labor Code § 1030-3) with him or her.
- If you are still not accommodated then you can file a claim with the following government agencies.
- For help in filing a claim, contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
California: Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
- Fill out the form: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileBOFEClaim.htm
- Fill it out and EITHER send it OR hand deliver it to the office nearest your workplace. http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/Cal-CitiesA.asp
Federal: Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division
- Call 1-866-487-9243 where you will be directed to the nearest WHD office.
- In Los Angeles County, you can call (626) 966-0478 or (866) 487-9243
- They will ask you for:
- Your name
- Your address and phone number (how you can be contacted)
- The name of the company where you work(ed)
- Location of the company (this maybe different from where you worked)
- Phone number of the company
- Manager or owners name (who should we ask to speak to?)
- Type of work you did
- How and when you were paid (i.e cash or check, every Friday)
- http://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp/howtofilecomplaint.htm
If you have been fired or are a victim of discrimination for requesting lactation accommodations:
1. Follow steps #1 and #2 above and then file with:
California: Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
- Make an appointment for an interview
Online: http://applications.dfeh.ca.gov/onlineAppt/ - By Phone: 1-800-884-1684 (within California) or 1-916-478-7200 (outside CA)
- Be sure NOT to fill out the 'Right to Sue' form, unless you hire an attorney who tells you to do so.
Federal: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (US EEOC)
- Filing a Charge of Discrimination has specific guidelines. If you file with the CA DFEA you may not need to file with the US EEOC.
- http://www.eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm
