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 8, 2021 | News Story

The temperature is dropping and it's time to update that wardrobe with some Union-Made goods to keep you warm.

 

Nov 5, 2021 | News Story

New York City taxi workers this week reached a historic debt relief agreement with New York City and a private asset management company after more than a month of protests and fifteen days of a hunger strike calling on the City to to do more to help resolve the financial and humanitarian crisis t

Nov 5, 2021 | News Story

On Wednesday, Columbia University student workers including undergraduate and graduate teaching and research assistants went on strike, in what constitutes the second-largest such action happening in the United States right now, second only to the strike still being fought by their UAW siblings a

Nov 5, 2021 | News Story

More than 500 Warrior Met Mineworkers brought their picket line from Alabama to Manhattan this week, and the New York City Labor Movement was out in force to welcome them.

Nov 5, 2021 | News Story

In the Labor Movement, we need to constantly reevaluate what we consider to be the facts, the realities, of what it means to work in America. And when the shape of work changes, we need to change with it.

Oct 29, 2021 | News Story

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance has entered its second week of a hunger strike, calling for a City-backed guarantee to New York City’s Medallion Relief Program. Thousands of taxi medallion owner-drivers are trapped in lifelong debt for medallions that are worth a fraction of what they cost.

Oct 29, 2021 | News Story

This week, more than 250 Breaking Ground workers officially joined AFSCME District Council 37. Their unionization follows voluntary recognition from management, which was reached earlier this month.

Oct 29, 2021 | News Story

Cinematographer and IATSE Local 600 member Halyna Hutchins’s death during the filming of Rust is a tragic consequence of studios prioritizing profit and speed over crew members’ lives, writes

Oct 29, 2021 | News Story

UAW members mourned the death this week of Richard Rich, a 56-year-old member of Milan, Ill, Local 79, who was a 15-year employee at the Milan John Deere Parts Distribution Plant in Moline, Ill. He was struck in a traffic accident and fatally injured while walking to the picket line.

Oct 29, 2021 | News Story

Soccer is one of the most successful professional women’s sports in the United States. But many players are working two, three or even four full-time jobs to be able to play soccer professionally. The players are organizing and saying: No more side hustles.