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 23, 2022 | News Story

The AFL-CIO is partnering with the Permission to Dream program, created by the Chris Gardner Foundation, to put students on the path to good careers through the security of a union job.

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On Thursday, rail companies and union leaders reached a tentative deal that will avert a strike

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This week, the NY Times Guild and NY Times Tech Guild delivered to the leadership of The New York Times the names of nearly 1,300 NewsGuild member employees who have signed a pledge to continue to work remotely this week, the first week the Company wanted employees back in the office.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

On Wednesday, unionized workers at the New School marched for respect! Jazz instructors at the New School first won a union contract with the help of Local 802 in 1998. in 1998.

Sep 16, 2022 | News Story

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Responders and survivors of 9/11 are suffering and dying from cancers and other illnesses caused by toxic exposures from the tragedy 21 years ago.