WorkLife Law has worked tirelessly to ensure the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and PUMP Act deliver real justice for pregnant and lactating workers — helping shape both laws, securing strong implementing regulations, training attorneys, and equipping litigators with practical resources. That work has now paid off. The first lawsuits were tried — and workers won in both cases.
In the first-ever PUMP Act verdict, an ultrasound technician was fired after complaining that she wasn’t getting the lactation breaks she had a legal right to take. A Tennessee jury awarded her $232,174. The court found her employer violated the PUMP Act, a law WorkLife Law fought hard to pass that requires employers nationwide to provide breaks and a private, non-bathroom space for pumping milk during the workday — a health necessity for breastfeeding parents. (Newell v. The Cardiovascular Clinic of West Tennessee, P.C.) WorkLife Law is grateful to our Attorney Network member Janelle Osowski and Bryce Ashby, whose hard-fought victory in this case will undoubtedly encourage employers everywhere to abide by their PUMP Act obligations. Osowksi shared, “When we started litigating this case, there was almost no guidance available. WorkLife Law’s trainings gave us a very strong foundation to build from.”
In the PWFA case, an accountant in Texas was denied basic accommodations — permission to wear sneakers during pregnancy and to work from home after giving birth — and faced harassment that took a dangerous toll on her mental health. An arbitrator awarded her $375,835. (Tarango v. Permian Basin Community Centers for MHMR DBA PermiaCare.) Her attorney, Holly Williams, shared: “As a solo practitioner, it was helpful to discuss legal strategy and draw on WorkLife Law Senior Advisor Cynthia Calvert’s deep knowledge and expertise relating to the PWFA. I am grateful for the support…”
WorkLife Law is proud to work alongside these incredible advocates — and to have played a leading role in the adoption of the laws and regulations that made these wins possible. In 2023, we launched an initiative to ensure the newly passed PWFA and PUMP Act were robustly implemented and could meet their full potential to protect workers and their families. A central part of that work is training and supporting attorneys through our Attorney Network, because the cases being litigated today are creating the legal precedent that will shape how employers understand their obligations for years to come.
These wins matter beyond the courtroom. Research shows that when employers know they can be held accountable, they are more likely to follow the law — meaning victories like these protect not just the workers who fought for them, but all workers. Our Attorney Network will continue to support attorneys bringing PWFA and PUMP Act cases as courts interpret these critical new protections. Learn more about our Attorney Network here.