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 10

Join immigrant essential workers at United Metro Energy for a rally with local elected officials as they continue their strike for fair wages and benefits for their families.

Aug 5, 2021 | Press Release

The New York City Labor Movement is shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

More than a thousand United Mine Workers of America members and supporters have once again carried their ongoing strike against Alabama’s Warrior Met Coal to New York City.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Editorial employees at Forbes voted 67-7 to be represented by The NewsGuild of New York, TNG-CWA Local 31003 in a National Labor Relations Board election that concluded Tuesday.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Musicians at the American Ballet Theatre are fighting for their livelihoods. Ballet management is taking advantage of the pandemic to cut costs and gut the musicians' contract.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Actors' Equity Association celebrated Congress reintroducing the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA).

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Members of The NewsGuild of New York at The New Yorker, Pitchfork, and Ars Technica this week announced that they have unanimously ratified their first contracts with Condé Nast.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Faith activists recently delivered a letter to all 50 U.S. Senators calling on them to pass the PRO Act, making it easier for workers to form a union.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

August 5, 6 & 7: Every year, UALE sponsors 4 regional “women’s schools”. These programs typically last between 4 and 5 days, and include classes and workshops on a variety of labor-related topics.

Jul 30, 2021 | News Story

Deadline Monday, August 30: The Bernhardt prize is an award of $1000 given for an article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people.