Mothers in Washington absolutely have a right to pump at work. They may need to do this for an extended amount of time after giving birth, and it is a way for them to focus on the best interests not just of themselves, but also of their children. This right is protected by law on multiple levels.
First of all, there are federal regulations, such as the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. It states that mothers should be given a private space to pump and reasonable break time so that they can do so. Exactly what that private space looks like may differ from one location to the next, but it should not be a bathroom.
Protections in Washington State law
On top of federal laws, laws in Washington state mandate that employers must provide a private lactation space, which is not a bathroom, as long as they have 15 or more employees. They are required to do so for two years after a child has been born.
While that law does apply now, in 2026, it is important to note that amendments have already been voted on and will go into effect on January 1, 2027. The amendment lowers the employee requirement, meaning that this law will apply to all employers who have one or more employees. It also states that employees who need to travel to their designated lactation space and use break time to pump should be paid their regular wages while they do so. Employers cannot withhold wages simply because mothers need this space and time away from their regular job duties.
If employers violate these laws, it could be a form of pregnancy discrimination and a violation of an employee’s rights. It is important for them to know what legal steps to take in the event of such violations. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.