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 30, 2022 | News Story

After a year of legal delays, Stagehands at Little Island voted “Yes” for a union with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local One. The vote was unanimous in favor of representation by Local One.

Sep 30, 2022 | News Story

Workers at a Trader Joe’s in Williamsburg have filed for union representation, aiming to join Trader Joe's United, a newly formed independent union that won elections at Trader Joe’s stores in Massachusetts and Minnesota over the summer.

Sep 30, 2022 | News Story

Two VITAL Climbing Gyms in New York City have filed this week to unionize with Climbers United. If they win their election, they’ll form the 2nd & 3rd unionized rock gyms in the U.S. Movement Climbing outside of D.C. won a union earlier this year.

Sep 30, 2022 | News Story

The staff of Brooklyn Museum, working across many departments and in many classifications, have dedicated years to their professions and care deeply about the Museum's collections and visitors. These workers voted to unionize last year, to establish a democratic voice at the museum they love.

Sep 30, 2022 | News Story

Members of UAW 2325 this week rallied at two of the local's units where workers are fighting for fair and equitable contracts.

Sep 30, 2022 | News Story

Last week was #ClimateWeek, and we know that the superstorms, droughts, and water quality crises will continue. We continue to keep our brothers and sisters in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean in our hearts after the impacts of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona.

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

Our 2022 Labor Day Parade highlights video is here! Check out all your favorite unions and union members below!

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) is collecting donations to help with the destruction and loss caused by Hurricane Fiona.

Sep 23, 2022 | News Story

Union members from Communications Workers of America Local 1101 rallied with supporters outside Con Edison headquarters near Union Square Wednesday as the energy giant is reportedly planning to drop a union contract in favor of cheaper labor.