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:

Dec 22, 2017 | News Story

On Monday, the Nation Labor Relations Board

Dec 22, 2017 | News Story

The District Council of Carpenters partnered with Heart 9/11 to bring some joy to children down in Puerto Rico.

Dec 22, 2017 | News Story

On Monday, the Harry Van Arsdale, Jr. Memorial Association, the Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry, and Members of Congress Joe Crowley & Grace Meng held “We Are All Americans,” an open forum meant to create solidarity across the labor and immigrant communities.

Dec 29, 2017 | News Story

As 2017 comes to a close, it is important to look back on all that labor has accomplished this year.

Dec 15, 2017 | News Story

In a political climate where there is deliberate undermining of and hostility against poor and working class people - particularly labor and immigrant communities, it is more important than ever that union workers from all backgrounds come together to find common ground and build bridges.

Dec 15, 2017 | News Story

After roughly a year of bargaining, CWA announced this week that it has reached a tentative agreement for 21,000 members covered by the Orange contract at AT&T Mobility.

Dec 15, 2017 | News Story

Norma Rae is coming to Broadway. By now, most of us are familiar with the 1979 movie starring Sally Field, which tells the story of a North Carolina textile factory worker who chooses to join a union in response to poor working conditions.

Dec 15, 2017 | News Story

With nearly 52 years on the job, Teamsters 831 member Joe Caggiano is the city's longest-serving sanitation worker. The 75 year-old started back when John Lindsay was mayor, and garbage trucks only had three wheels.

Dec 8, 2017 | News Story

On Monday, adjunct professors in the CUNY system, members of Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY),  joined with labor allies, students, and members of the community to call for a fair contract for the CUNY workers.

Dec 8, 2017 | News Story

On Thursday, the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, UAW Local 2325, took to the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall with allies in the Labor Movement, community groups, and immigration advocates to speak out against the practice of ICE agents arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants as they ar