Work and Family

Although the “traditional” family—a father who works outside the home and financially supports the children and a mother whose work is keeping the house and raising the children—has been disappearing for more than a generation, our workplaces and government policies have not kept pace with America’s new reality.

Most children are growing up in homes with both parents working or with single parents. One-third of workers don’t have access to paid sick leave, and only 42 percent have paid personal leave. What’s the impact on public health when working people can’t afford to take sick days during a flu epidemic? Who takes care of a sick child? Who’s home to fix dinner and help with homework? Who can dedicate time to a sick elderly parent?

The recession and jobless recovery have complicated life further for working families, when having to leave work for a family emergency could lead to long-term unemployment.

More about this issue:

Jan 17, 2014 | Press Release

New York - New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement regarding Mayor Bill de Blasio's and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito's announced push to expand the city’s Earned Sick Time law to cover roughly 30

Dec 24, 2013 | News Story

This week, UFCW 1500 members overwhelmingly ratified a new contract for members employed by Stop & Shop.  The new contract complies with the Affordable Care Act, and maintains affordable coverage with no paycheck deductions for full-time workers, while also increasing hours, maintaining denta

Dec 19

WORKERS SAY THEY WILL TAKE A STAND FOR MORAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE IF BI-STATE AGENCY DOES NOT MAKE JAN. 20, 2014 PAID HOLIDAY

Dec 13, 2013 | News Story

This week, members of IBEW Local 1212 reached an agreement with non-union company Team People to bargain over wages, working conditions, and terms of employment.

Dec 13, 2013 | News Story

This morning, fired Trade Fair supermarket workers from the 75-07 35th Ave., Jackson Heights location took to the streets to protest their wrongful firing at the hands of former owner Farid Jaber, who owns all nine stores in the supermarket chain.  The workers were joined today by their fellow un

Dec 6, 2013 | News Story

New York State AFL-CIO has launched a new campaign designed to help create sustainable change for New York’s working men and women.

Dec 12

Hospital officials closed Labor and Delivery at North Central Bronx Hospital – Join us to ask why?

Hospital officials say they will re-open Labor and Delivery – Join us to ask when?

Dec 9, 2013 | News Story

Last week, workers from various sectors and industries got together to highlight a new day in New York City.  Workers, parents, community groups, and Labor union representatives gathered to celebrate the end where the needs of the wealthy were unfairly placed over those of everyday people.

Dec 5

Join us for a mass rally and creative actions at Foley Square starting at 4:30PM to cap off an energetic day of low-wage worker actions around the city that will bring together workers, students, activists, faith leaders and everyday New Yorkers who want to fight inequality and build a stronger,