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:

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

The New York Labor History Association's Bernhardt Prize awards $1000 to an article that exemplifies great writing for a general audience and furthers the understanding of the history of working people. The prize and the forum honor the vision of the late Debra E.

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After a two-year fight for a first contract and a 13-day ULP strike – the longest digital media strike in history – members of Insider Union this week announced that they have reached a tentative agreement with management, including settlement of a ULP related to management’s unilateral changing

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Starting July 12, New York City’s app-based delivery workers must be paid at least $17.96 an hour, not including tips — the first such minimum pay-rate in the country for an industry that exploded in popularity during the pandemic.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

In a victory for live music, AFM Local 802 is thrilled to announce that David Byrne's upcoming show at the Broadway Theatre “Here Lies Love” will use live musicians.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Averting what would have been the second physician’s strike in New York City, and the

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week announced it will be filing Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) against REI, Inc. in both the SoHo and Cleveland unionized stores.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Projectionists at a Brooklyn Alamo Drafthouse, the movie theater chain known for serving food and drinks during screenings, have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Review Board.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Mediation between the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)—which represents the captains, assistant captains, mates, engineers and chief engineers on the Staten Island Ferry— and the City, ongoing since last year, continues, with another meeting will take place next week.

Jun 11, 2023 | Press Release

"Through the pandemic, extreme weather, and other significant challenges, New York City’s delivery workers keep millions of New Yorkers fed. In return, last year our City made a promise – that we would deliver the minimum pay and protections they fought so tirelessly for.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

NYCOSH has created a slideshow aimed at providing important information about how outdoor workers can protect themselves, including info about key terms, types of respirators, and how to conduct a "seal check.