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:

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

The re-opening of NYC live music, arts and culture is continuing as the New York Philharmonic gave its first public performance after a historic hiatus of more than 13 months. Orchestra members are covered under a union contract with Local 802.

Apr 23, 2021 | News Story

On Wednesday, just ahead of Earth Day, the United Federation of Teachers, District Council 37, 32BJ SEIU, the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council, the New York City Central Labor Council, Climate Jobs NY and others launched the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools campaign.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

On Tuesday, a majority of over 650 tech workers at The New York Times announced that they have formed a union and are seeking voluntary recognition from the company. More than 1,300 editorial and business staff at the Times are already represented by The NewsGuild of New York.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

A new dedicated vaccination site in Times Square for film, television, and theater workers is set to help NYC jumpstart our arts and entertainment industry and bring back union jobs.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

Local 338 Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union (RWDSU)/United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), announced that workers at Sunnyside* (operated by Cresco Labs) have ratified their first union contract, which comes just weeks after the passage of the Marijuana Taxation & Regulation Act.

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed an agreement with AFGE removing anti-worker provisions from the contract and taking steps to renegotia

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

In the week following a report that shed light on several allegations of abuse and intimidation by Broadway and film producer Scott Rudin, three performers’ unions—Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802—have released a statement denouncing harass

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

On Monday, hundreds of parents and community leaders braved the cold rain to rally in support of School Safety Agents, members of Teamsters Local 237. Local 237 President Gregory Floyd told the crowd: “The City Council held a hearing and the parents were not heard from...

Apr 16, 2021 | News Story

Yesterday, unionized editorial employees at Ziff Davis — Mashable, PCMag and AskMen — walked off the job for 24 hours to protest the company’s failure to agree to a living wage for all employees and to demand that management bargain in good faith.

Apr 28

Join us on April 28, Workers' Memorial Day, to commemorate workers we've lost this year.

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