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:

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

In a powerful show of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA members have voted 97.91% in favor of a strike authorization ahead of negotiations of the TV/Theatrical Contracts, with nearly 65,000 members casting ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of eligible voters.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

Wednesday night, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that, by an overwhelming vote of 97% in favor of the union, workers at Barnes & Noble’s Flagship Union Square store have voted to join the RWDSU.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

Workers at Insider have been on a ULP strike since June 2nd over management's decision to illegally change their health insurance, saddling them with higher costs and worse coverage.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

As nearly 600 postdoctoral fellows continue fighting for a first contract with Mt. Sinai, an overwhelming 80 percent of 350 student researchers have now organized and seek representation as Sinai Student Workers-UAW (SSW-UAW) at the major New York City biomedical research institution.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

The entire Labor Movement was deeply saddened this week to learn of the passing of beloved AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs. Bill Spriggs was above all a man of intellectual rigor and courage, the conscience of the labor movement.

Jun 9

TODAY, Friday, June 9th, 12PM-2 PM: The wildfire has caused a number of health issues here in this area, especially among workers. Unfortunately many people out west have already had to frequently deal with this and we will probably be facing similar conditions in the future.

Jun 2, 2023 | News Story

Insider Union members went on strike at 12AM this morning in response to the company’s refusal to undo illegal changes it made to their health care and management’s intransigence in contract negotiations.

Jun 2, 2023 | News Story

AFM Local 802 is spreading the word that the upcoming Broadway show "Here Lies Love" by David Byrne is attempting to hire NO live musicians, which would be the first time in history for a League-produced Broadway show.

Jun 2, 2023 | News Story

REI yesterday notified RWDSU—the union representing workers at its SoHo, New York store—through its new legal counsel that many workers at the store would be receiving pay cuts in their next paycheck amid a shakeup of the company’s legal representation at the bargaining table.

Jun 2, 2023 | News Story

MTA Local 100 President Richard Davis this week announced that the union has reached a tentative contract agreement with the MTA that includes substantial salary increases and other important wins for membership.