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:

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

On Wednesday, March 13, Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH)/ Northwell) nurses held a speak-out in front of their hospital and announced that they authorized their executive committee to call a strike if management fails to bargain a fair contract that protects care for Staten Island patient

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

The unionized employees of Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (MFJ) are wrapping up the third week of their strike for a fair contract and against MFJ's unfair labor practices. On February 23, 93% of voting MFJ Union members rejected management’s contract offer and declared an indefinite strike.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week announced that, by an overwhelming vote of 85% in favor of the union, workers at the Barnes & Noble 82nd Street Store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan have voted to join the RWDSU.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

Workers at the Empire Justice Center, who provide civil legal services to New Yorkers in need across the state, won a decisive victory to unionize on Monday, March 4.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

On the front lines of climate change in the Bronx, labor unions and environmental advocates recently held a press conference supporting the “

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

After just three days on strike last week, teaching fellows, teaching assistants, course assistants, research assistants, and tutors at The New School, represented by United Auto Workers (UAW), reached a long-awaited tentative agreement at the New School.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) gathered with other labor leaders, including AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, and union members across the labor movement in front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to call on Congress to pass the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act.

Mar 15, 2024 | News Story

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) and IATSE Local 494 have succeeded in thwarting an elaborate effort by local production company La Celda, LLC to chill both the union’s rights and the rights of produc

Mar 27

Join the Office of the NYC Comptroller for our inaugural Workers’ Rights Convening. Co-hosted with the New York City Central Labor Council, the theme of the first Workers' Rights Convening will be focused on Building Worker Power and will take place on Wednesday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.