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 21, 2017 | News Story

This week, Spectrum/Time Warner workers, members of IBEW Local 3, remain on strike.

May 3

Every twenty years, New York State is required to give voters the option, via a ballot question, of opening up the State’s constitution in a convention.

Apr 4, 2017 | News Story

This afternoon we stood with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York to commemorate 100 years of service protecting the men and women of New York City, and to remember the hardworking firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Mar 31, 2017 | News Story

As of Tuesday morning, 1,800 Local #3 IBEW members at Charter/Spectrum Communications are out on strike.

Mar 24, 2017 | News Story

On Wednesday, Writers Guild of America, East, announced that content creators at Thrillist had voted to join the union. After weeks of refusing to recognize the staff’s union, management agreed to collectively bargain following a 24-hour online vote.

Mar 21, 2017 | News Story

NYC CLC Executive Board member Julie Kushner is the director of UAW Region 9A.

Julie Kushner has been a union activist and leader for more than 30 years.

Mar 17, 2017 | News Story

This week, the NYC CLC, District Council 37, and Teamsters Local 237 joined with elected officials, housing advocates, and community members to rally at City Hall against federal budget cuts that would significantly defund the New York City Housing Authority.

Mar 15, 2017 | News Story

This week, the National AFL-CIO announced the start of a new comprehensive campaign to help protect union jobs.

Mar 16, 2017 | News Story

Continuing our celebration of Womens’ History Month, we are proud to honor the work of Cecilia “Cece” Borcherding, Executive Board Member of the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 1-2. Cece is the product of a hard-working union household.

Mar 10, 2017 | News Story

This week, IATSE Local 829, United Scenic Artists, announced a historic inaugural contract agreement with the Off-Broadway League.  The three-year agreement protects workers’ wages and industry standards.