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:

Oct 16, 2015 | News Story

From the AFL-CIO

Oct 13

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO is gearing up for ​a protest against Original Media, producers of the hit tattoo show INK MASTER.

Oct 23

What do fast food workers, construction workers, new media, entertainment workers, teachers, transportation workers, and retail workers have in common?

They are all fighting for change by putting workers' voices & faces front and center in their fights!

Sep 11, 2015 | Press Release

"As the cost of living in New York City continues to increase, it is imperative that all workers receive the middle class wages that will allow them to pay for housing, care for families, and invest in their local communities," said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Co

Sep 17

The conventional wisdom of economists, which has trickled down to the rest of us, is that “the market” ensures that we are all paid what we are worth.

Sep 16

Join

Jon Stewart

to support the extension of the

James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Aug 24, 2015 | Press Release

New York, NY – New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez released the following statement regarding the City’s proposal to eliminate competitive examinations in FDNY recruitment:

Aug 12, 2015 | News Story

Please stand in support of Verizon workers in their Fight for a Good Contract and for High Speed Internet For All this Thursday, August 13 at 12pm. CWA members will be holding informational pickets at 5 Verizon central offices throughout Manhattan and the Bronx.