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.
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The AFL-CIO Executive Council last Friday elected Liz Shuler to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation.
The ballots are in at MSNBC, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has counted them: 141 editorial staffers at MSNBC voted to be represented by the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) for the purpose of collective bargaining; 58 people voted no.
Yesterday, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced that workers at Greenlight Bookstores and Yours Truly stationery stores have won recognition for their union.
The musicians of the Met Orchestra, members of AFM Local 802, have overwhelmingly ratified their contract with the Metropolitan Opera, clearing the path for its musicians to return to work and for the company, the largest performing arts organization in the nation, to resume performances next mon
The labor union representing more than 350 New York City Council aides has officially been approved by the city, paving the way for the Association of Legislative Employees, which is now the country's largest legislative staff union, to collectively bargain with the City Council.
Congratulations to Liz Shuler, who has just made history by taking her place as the AFL-CIO’s first female President.
Workers at the Brooklyn Museum this week announced that they have officially voted to form a union with UAW Local 2110.
AFM Local 802 was thrilled this week to announce a deal with the Broadway League that will cover Broadway musicians in a safe and equitable way as the industry starts to re-open.
District Council 9 is beginning its recruitment process for Painter, Decorator and Paperhanger apprentices on Tuesday, August 24. The application period runs to through Tuesday, September 7. DC9 is accepting 500 applications for apprenticeship training.
(Updated 9/2/21) Workers at Nabisco facilities in Chicago, Ill.,