A fellow La Leche League Leader asks for help with moms’ permission to post:

Mom’s employer is a County agency (they serve children and families), and
she is a one-on-one special education assistant to a young girl.  Her
4-month-old boy was born with an intestinal disorder and needs to eat
frequently.  She needs to pump every 2-3 hours to keep her supply up to meet
his needs.  But her employer will only allow a break every 4 hours.  They
did accommodate her for a while but now they say it's a hardship for them
and they've already done more than necessary to
help her out.  She's only asking to continue this more frequent routine for
2 afternoons a week for 8 more weeks.  They've had several meetings and the
organization is keeping very careful notes.  They've been consulting with a
lawyer, too.  In a recent note, they mentioned they
may be able to find other work for her within the organization, but in a
meeting yesterday they said chances were slim that another position even
existed.
 
The mom has also been great about keeping track of all correspondence and
may have access to a pro bono lawyer.  She's been in touch with the Atty.
General's office, too.  
 
In Friday's meeting, she brought with her a note from her doctor, an IBCLC,
and a nutritionist, along with some literature backing up the need to pump
more frequently.  The supervisor said very grudgingly that now that a
doctor's note is involved, it may take on a different direction and they'd
be consulting their lawyer.  They are not at all willing to work with her
for a few more weeks and it seems like they are going to do whatever it
takes to "make their point."

It seems they're prepared to use the huge "loophole" in the (Vermont’s new)
breastfeeding in the workplace law stating that it causes them hardship.
 
Is there anything else she can do?  Any other organization she needs to be
in contact with who might be able to advocate for her?  

Thanks for any suggestions.  Please also contact offline: Laura Peer
[log in to unmask]

Warm regards,
Laura McCormick, BA, LLL
Vermont, snowy once more

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