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:

Apr 30, 2021 | News Story

As the weather warms up, Local 802 is feeling optimistic about the reopening of NYC. It's feeling safer to perform music and see NYC audiences return, even though it’s starting small.

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

New York lawmakers this week passed legislation mandating extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID crisis. The New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act, sponsored by state Sen.

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

Yesterday, dozens of supporters including fellow NYC union members, elected officials and candidates stood with members of Teamsters Local 804 at the UPS facility in Springfield Gardens, supporting ten part-time workers unjustly fired by UPS, including two pregnant women who need healthcare cover

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

On Monday, an overwhelming majority of editorial workers at Insider, formerly known as Business Insider, announced that they have organized to join The NewsGuild of New York.

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

Local 1500 is proud to welcome the employees of Foragers Market to the UFCW family. On Wednesday, the employees of the DUMBO Brooklyn Foragers location did exactly what their counterparts from the Chelsea location did last week: unanimously vote in favor of being represented by Local 1500!

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

The re-opening of NYC live music, arts and culture is continuing as the New York Philharmonic gave its first public performance after a historic hiatus of more than 13 months. Orchestra members are covered under a union contract with Local 802.

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

On Wednesday, just ahead of Earth Day, the United Federation of Teachers, District Council 37, 32BJ SEIU, the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council, the New York City Central Labor Council, Climate Jobs NY and others launched the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools campaign.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

On Tuesday, a majority of over 650 tech workers at The New York Times announced that they have formed a union and are seeking voluntary recognition from the company. More than 1,300 editorial and business staff at the Times are already represented by The NewsGuild of New York.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

A new dedicated vaccination site in Times Square for film, television, and theater workers is set to help NYC jumpstart our arts and entertainment industry and bring back union jobs.