ILO pushes paid lactation period for working moms

MANILA, Philippines — Employers should provide a paid lactation period for working mothers, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said yesterday.

According to the ILO, employers must fulfill the workplace provisions of Republic Act 10028, the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, by providing a workplace lactation policy, including the adoption of lactation periods that should be in addition to the regular time off for meals.

“These periods should be counted as compensable hours worked and not less than a total of 40 minutes for every eight-hour working period, with two to three breast milk expressions lasting 15 to 30 minutes each within a workday,” the ILO said.

ILO issued the appeal to local employers as it commemorates World Breastfeeding Week.

“Breastfeeding is one of the most accessible care policies that can be applied at the workplace. It is a clear measure to help women transition back to work after giving birth,” the ILO stressed.

Citing results of a 2019 study by the National Economic and Development Authority, the ILO noted that marriage and childbearing have been linked to a significant decline in female labor force participation.

In the Philippines, RA 10028 mandates all establishments, public or private, whether operating for profit or not, to support breastfeeding in the workplace.

However, the ILO said paid nursing breaks, flexible arrangements and workplace nursing facilities still “remain untapped resources” for a majority of women.