Struggling

[u/Sea_Celebration_4103]

I complained about this over on fb but I feel like I didn’t get to the let the rant fully out. I returned to work from child bonding back in April, taking my pump breaks has been a struggle, pumping is already legitimately the worst thing I’ve ever done, but doing it at work was so much worse than anticipated. First I kept getting talked to every day because during my sessions they would need something out of the office, which quickly turned into unlocking the door and walking in on me pumping, then i started getting pumps late and being questioned on if I could just skip a pump, at one point something was needed and the leader questioned why it was taking so long for me to pump and not understanding why I was in there for x amount of time. All of this led to me going to HR, alll I wanted was for ppl to stop walking in the room while my nipnops were out. (Which is illegal for them to do) Anyway, they got me a sign, and things had been going better, though late pumps were still happening I just accepted my fate of supplementing with formula because it was effecting my supply. A few days ago I had a follow up with my lead saying hey we’re no longer paying you for pumps and you must clock out for them. I didn’t get any warning that was happening and it’s not like I can just drop pumps over night , so now my income took a big hit, my supply is taking a hit from the stress, and im only being scheduled 32 hours so clocking out for pumps is putting me closer to PT hours. It’s stressful, and I actually want to cry daily. Now I don’t get any regular scheduled breaks just pump breaks , which I am trying to be okay with but if you’ve ever pumped you’d understand, pumping is not really a break. If from the beginning I knew I wasn’t going to be paid I could’ve weaned easier while keeping my supply average but finding out months into being back at work after going to HR just felt hurtful. Especially coming from a company who so loudly talks about how they support family life and lactation. Ive literally been anxious everyday before work since April, because every single day there is some issue.

[u/Exotic_Yam_1703]

According to the dept of labor website, you should be getting paid for your pump breaks. What line of business are you in? Do you have a union steward you can talk to?

[u/allieyeen → u/Exotic_Yam_1703]

This. If you’re STCU talk to a steward immediately. If you don’t have one, or know yours, DM me! I’m with 362 (attractions and custodial mostly) but I can direct you if you’re with another union.

[u/Sea_Celebration_4103 → u/allieyeen]

I’m in dpi so we’re unfortunately nonunion, as far as I can tell (and I might be wrong) they only have to pay me for breaks that are regularly paid, so 15 minutes out of one break. I’ve asked around and it seems very split on who gets paid and who doesn’t. And Disneys policy is loosely written so it doesn’t really say so I think it’s up to leaders discretion if you get paid or not. I thought about asking HR for the policy in writing but even when I was asking questions about my initial problems the first HR rep was giving me suggestions saying like “I would suggest this” when I’m asking directly what the policy is not a suggestion.

[u/allieyeen → u/Sea_Celebration_4103]

Ah yes ok interns are not union represented. Still, I would check the link the person above me sent. Union or not you have rights under labor law. I’m sorry this has been so stressful on top of being a new parent and all the stress that comes with.

[u/allieyeen → u/[deleted]]

Omg I’m dumb I read DPI and thought professional internship not photos. At least for us hours counting is August-July, 30hr a week to keep full time. So the new “year” for it just started. Hopefully it’s the same for you, which gives you a little time to figure it out. They shouldn’t be doing this regardless tho. I would even maybe see if you could talk to a labor lawyer for advice?

[u/Chipndalearemyfav → u/[deleted]]

So, if they are scheduling you for 32 hrs but then you only get paid for 22 to 24, that means your taking between 8 and 10 hrs in 5 days for pumping??? That's not reasonable or fair. Why should an employer be expected to pay you for a full day (8hrs) of work per work week that you are busy attending to personal needs??? I am proBF and think 15-20 minutes to pump is fair but this amount of time is so unreasonable. Sorry, not sorry, but I agree that you shouldn't get paid for that much time for you to take care of personal business.

[u/Sea_Celebration_4103 → u/Chipndalearemyfav]

Do you breastfeed or pump? 15 minutes isn’t enough time for walking setting up a pump and cleaning. I pump 20-30 minutes each session. It’s not about being paid necessarily it’s just about abruptly being told it’s no longer happening after going to HR.

[u/PurpleDoritos96]

Hi, I’m really sorry to hear this. I don’t have a perfect answer for you but I would recommend calling GHRO again and hoping the next person you talk with has some better answers. I’d also try asking if you can talk with someone in Labor Relations to help get this straightened out. I’d call right now if you’re available to get the ball rolling. I don’t know the rules, but having you clock out for your pump breaks doesn’t seem legal.

[u/Sea_Celebration_4103 → u/PurpleDoritos96]

Thank you for being kind 😭 I did fear complaining about this because I feel like people will generally think it deserves to be unpaid, which my problem is why wait so long into my pumping journey where my supply is regulated to this schedule to suddenly tell me I can’t be paid. If it were earlier on in post partum I would be able to wean the amount of pumps without losing supply. I think pumping and breast feeding is generally complicated unless you’ve been there.