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:

Sep 8

Join the NYC Labor Movement for a Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

State Senators Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and striking essential workers rallied outside of the United Metro Energy oil terminal Tuesday amid a 113-day strike.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

New York Times tech employees walked off the job on Wednesday in a half day work stoppage to protest the publisher's aggressive union busting efforts.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

This week it was announced that an overwhelming majority of staff at Make the Road New York have officially chosen to form the Make the Road New York Union, affiliating with the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

Actors’ Equity Association reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Off-Broadway League, the employers' guild for Off-Broadway theatre.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

After experiencing a summer of intense storms and wildfires throughout the country, it is crucial that we show support for the offshore wind industry that will create good union jobs and help address the climate crisis.

Aug 6, 2021 | News Story

The New York City Labor Movement was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn yesterday of the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.

Aug 6, 2021 | News Story

On Friday, curators, conservators, editors and other employees at the Guggenheim Museum filed to form a union with the Technical, Office and Professional Union, Local 2110.

Aug 6, 2021 | News Story

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comment on a proposed sale notice for the offshore wind energy areas in the NY Bight, far off Nassau County's shores (see image).

Aug 6, 2021 | News Story

Actors’ Equity Association reached an agreement with the Broadway League on COVID safety protocols for the Production Contract— the contract on which Broadway actors and stage managers work.