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:

Mar 29, 2024 | News Story

The unionized staff of MFJ Legal Services are accusing MFJ Management of using union busting tactics as the legal workers wrap up their fifth week on strike.

Mar 29, 2024 | News Story

Staffing shortages in the public sector are at crisis levels because of the recruitment and retention issues caused by Tier 6. It is critical that the State addresses this problem in the 2024-25 State Budget. Will you make a call to show your support for fixing Tier 6?

Mar 29, 2024 | News Story

Amid growing concerns over Artificial Intelligence, a coalition of unions representing journalists, film and television writers, and creative workers have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging Congress to ensure these workers are protected by any legislation addres

Mar 22, 2024 | News Story

Monday, March 25, 11:30AM Music, 12PM Program Start: On March 25, 1911, 146 workers—mostly young, immigrant women—were killed in a horrific fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory at Washington Place and Greene Street in lower Manhattan.

Mar 22, 2024 | News Story

Unionized employees of Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (MFJ) have now been on strike for a month in their fight for a fair contract and against MFJ's unfair labor practices.

Apr 25

Join the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) for our annual Workers’ Memorial Day event to honor those who have died or suffered injuries or illnesses while on the job, to recognize the sacrifices made by all essenti

Mar 22, 2024 | News Story

Unionized editorial workers, represented by The NewsGuild of New York at LexisNexis-owned Law360, walked off the job this week in a 24-hour work stoppage to protest layoffs that violate labor law.

Mar 22, 2024 | News Story

The national AFL-CIO this week hosted the first-ever AFL-CIO lobby day exclusively centered on women’s issues in the workforce and beyond.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

On Wednesday, March 13, Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH)/ Northwell) nurses held a speak-out in front of their hospital and announced that they authorized their executive committee to call a strike if management fails to bargain a fair contract that protects care for Staten Island patient