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:

Nov 24, 2021 | News Story

We have always known that reducing class size is integral to student achievement, teacher retention and equitable schools, but it’s now also become an issue of public health. We must learn from the pandemic and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses in the future.

Nov 24, 2021 | News Story

This week the New York City Council passed historic labor harmony legislation into law.

Nov 24, 2021 | News Story

Columbia student workers are still on strike in what is currently the largest such action in the country. Three thousand workers, including undergraduate and graduate teaching and research assistants at Columbia University, are now in the fourth week of their strike.

Nov 24, 2021 | News Story

As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), is urging holiday shoppers to treat workers with dignity and respect as they return to shopping in stores amid supply-chain issues.

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

Members of three New York Times bargaining units joined forces along with supporters including the NYC CLC on Tuesday to deliver a message to management: Stop union busting. Respect our union.

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

Thousands of nursing home workers from hundreds of facilities across the state marched from Times Square to SEIU1199 headquarters on Seventh Avenue on Wednesday to tell nursing home owners that they deserve a fair contract with good wages, safe working conditions, affordable, comprehensive health

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

With the end of the John Deere strike earlier this week, the Columbia student workers strike is now the largest strike action in the country.

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

New York Metro Area Postal Union, APWU President Jonathan Smith sat down with Samantha Bee on this week's episode of Full Frontal to talk about how Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is trying to sabotage not only the Postal Service, but people's confidence in the Postal Service, with the largest rol

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

Musicians deserve a fair contract! American Federation of Musicians Local 802 has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) for failing to negotiate in good faith with its musicians.

Nov 19, 2021 | News Story

This week, the New York Daily News reported that billionaire John Catsimatidis is flouting labor law by underpaying oil truck drivers delivering heating oil to public schools and other city buildings, based on a compliant filed with the New York City Comptroller.