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 1, 2016 | News Story

This week, Albany announced a budget deal including provisions designed to put 3.1 million working men and women on the path to a $15 per hour minimum wage.  Workers in NYC will see the wage boost take effect by 2018 (2019 for companies with less than 10 employees), while workers in Long Island a

Mar 25, 2016 | News Story

On Thursday, more than 40 CUNY faculty and staff members locked arms and blocked the doors in front of Governor Cuomo's Manhattan office. The "die-in" was designed to Highlight the demand for increased investment in CUNY in the State budget.

 

Mar 25, 2016 | News Story

On Wednesday, representatives of labor, community groups and many others gathered at Washington Place and Greene Street in Greenwich Village to remember the 146 workers who perished in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

Mar 31

After nine months of bargaining, Verizon is still refusing to negotiate a fair contract for 39,000 workers across the Northeast.

Mar 24, 2016 | News Story

Thanks to the folks at Labor 411, we don't have to hunt for the union-made Easter treats!  Make sure to refer to this list when filling up your baskets this year!

 

Mar 4, 2016 | News Story

This week, the Ironworkers union released a

Mar 10, 2016 | News Story

Saint Patrick's Day is next Thursday, March 17.  As you gather to celebrate your Irish or adopted Irish heritage, please refer to this list of union-made products compiled by the folks over at Labor 411.  Don't forget to patronize union grocery stores!

Mar 10

Join #CUNYRising for a rally, march, and meeting to call for investments in CUNY students, faculty, and staff.

Feb 26, 2016 | News Story

This week, the New York State AFL-CIO held a training for organizers in the New York City Labor Movement in preparation for the impending Supreme Court decision in theFriedrichs v the California Teachers Association case.