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:

Nov 4, 2022 | News Story

Workers at the Daily Press—a cafe and bar on Somers Street and Rockaway Avenue—announced Wednesday their intention to file for union recognition with Workers United NY/NJ. The move comes after Daily Press' owner in October announced "drastic and sudden" cuts to their hours.

Nov 4, 2022 | News Story

"It’s no secret that when a new administration enters the White House, it is immediately evaluated by the promises made during the election campaign.

Nov 4, 2022 | News Story

The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), this week applauded the decision of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia blocking the proposed merger of Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, a transaction that would reduce competition for the talent and work of writer

Oct 28, 2022 | News Story

On Tuesday, workers at the flagship Starbucks NYC Roastery on 9th Avenue in Manhattan walked off the job, beginning a strike in response to health and safety issues including mold and bedbugs.

Oct 28, 2022 | News Story

On Monday, workers at Voices of Community Activists and Leaders (VOCAL-NY), a statewide grassroots membership organization that builds power among low-income people directly impacted by HIV/AIDS, the drug war, mass incarceration, and homelessness, announced their intention to unionize with Legal

Oct 28, 2022 | News Story

Last Friday, Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB) staff announced their decision to form a union with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), presenting a letter to Executive Director Andy Reicher and Chair of the Board John Warren with a 3-day deadline to voluntarily reco

Oct 28, 2022 | News Story

On Monday, Netflix’s Music Supervisors, in collaboration with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking a union certification election.

Oct 28, 2022 | News Story

Don't be a ghoul, support union workers this Halloween by getting union-made candy for all your trick-or-treaters! Check out the full scaaaaaaaary-good list here!

Oct 21, 2022 | News Story

Stand with the Dodo Union in their fight for a fair contract! In a strong act of solidarity the Dodo Union delivered a strike pledge to parent company Vox Media signed by 100% of the bargaining unit.

Oct 21, 2022 | News Story

Starbucks workers at the Williamsburg Starbucks Reserve went on a one day strike Saturday over unfair labor practices and Starbucks' refusal to come to the table and negotiate in good faith.