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:

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced last night that, by an overwhelming vote of 88% in favor of the union, workers at the Barnes & Noble Park Slope, Brooklyn store have voted to join the RWDSU.

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

Nearly $80 million in federal funds earmarked for the Staten Island Ferry that was at risk of being rescinded has been maintained in the recent debt ceiling deal. On Wednesday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited the St.

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina:

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

On Wednesday, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters walked away from the national bargaining table and officially demanded UPS exchange its last, best, and final offer no later than today, June 30.

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

Watch/listen to Burnes Center Senior Fellow Seth Harris in conversation with Cathy Nolan, former New York State Assemblywoman for District 37, and Jessica García, Assistant to the President of the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU), as they discuss agricultural workers rights, the b

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

Sixty IBEW Local 3 members at WESCO Liberty Electrical & Elevator Supply in Woodside, Queens and WESCO in Hauppauge, Long Island went out on strike Monday after WESCO failed to offer a fair contract to members.

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

Fifteen years after ProPublica published its first investigation, employees of the award-winning, nonprofit investigative newsroom announced this week they are forming a union, the ProPublica Guild.

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

Apple is once again in trouble for its union-busting practices, with a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge ruling that Apple interfered with employees' efforts to organize with the Communications Workers of America at its World Trade Center store here in New York City.

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

The NYC Central Labor Council in partnership with unions across New York City will work together to assist eligible permanent residents in navigating the process to becoming new U.S. citizens.