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:

Feb 19, 2021 | News Story

Public defenders and social workers at Queens Defenders represented by UAW 2325 got a boost from local elected officials and supporters who joined them for a virtual rally Wednesday.

Feb 19, 2021 | News Story

Almost a year ago, the Metropolitan Opera House went dark. Overnight, New York City lost its heart and soul — the culture that vibrates through the veins of the city and makes it what it is: music, theatre, dance, art —all silenced and put on pause.

Feb 12, 2021 | News Story

New York City’s hometown paper has formed a union.

Feb 12, 2021 | News Story

The unionized employees of Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (MFJ) held a one-day strike on Tuesday to show their commitment to negotiating a fair contract that values the health, safety, value, and experience of all workers.

Feb 12, 2021 | News Story

Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Karines Reyes joined the CUNY Rising Alliance and the Professional Staff Congress last week to announce the introduction of the

Feb 12, 2021 | News Story

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Feb 9, 2021 | News Story

Few civil rights leaders have had a greater impact on the labor movement than Velma and Norman Hill.

Feb 5, 2021 | News Story

New York City restaurant workers, taxi drivers, and residents in developmentally disabled facilities are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.