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:

Aug 3, 2022 | Press Release

It’s inexcusable that New York City commuters are having to pay the price for the NYC Department of Transportation’s failure to resolve a contract for more than 11 years.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

Teamsters at UPS held a rally Thursday after multiple workers were sent to the emergency room with heat exhaustion last week. The company refuses to install fans in trucks or adequate ventilation in sortation facilities.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

This week, Starbucks fired Joselyn, a union leader in Great Neck, Long Island. Since workers at Great Neck filed for union representation in February, management has targeted Joselyn for her leadership in the union.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

After 14 years with a deeply flawed system, labor has advocated for change and we finally have the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program we need.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) leads the City of New York's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

Union members worked together across the labor movement to win many important victories for working people last year.

Jul 28, 2022 | News Story

The New York City Labor Day Parade on September 10, 2022 will celebrate 140 years since the first Labor Day Parade in Union Square.

Thousands of marchers will carry posters and wear buttons -- it could be your design!

Jul 22, 2022 | News Story

Workers in production departments for TV commercials across the United States are going public with their union with the backing of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Stand With Production movement.