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 20, 2021 | Press Release

Congratulations to Liz Shuler, who has just made history by taking her place as the AFL-CIO’s first female President.

Aug 20, 2021 | News Story

Workers at the Brooklyn Museum this week announced that they have officially voted to form a union with UAW Local 2110.

Aug 20, 2021 | News Story

AFM Local 802 was thrilled this week to announce a deal with the Broadway League that will cover Broadway musicians in a safe and equitable way as the industry starts to re-open.

Aug 20, 2021 | News Story

District Council 9 is beginning its recruitment process for Painter, Decorator and Paperhanger apprentices on Tuesday, August 24. The application period runs to through Tuesday, September 7. DC9 is accepting 500 applications for apprenticeship training.

Sep 2, 2021 | News Story

(Updated 9/2/21) Workers at Nabisco facilities in Chicago, Ill.,

Aug 20, 2021 | News Story

Hotel rooms should be cleaned every day. That’s what hotel guests have come to expect and love. But as tourism comes roaring back, Hilton wants to end this standard and eliminate housekeepers’ jobs.

Aug 20, 2021 | News Story

The essential workers at United Metro Energy Corporation in Brooklyn, New York have been on strike since mid-April. The oil terminal workers are fighting for their first union contract after joining Teamsters Local 553 in 2019.

Sep 8

Join the NYC Labor Movement for a Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

State Senators Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and striking essential workers rallied outside of the United Metro Energy oil terminal Tuesday amid a 113-day strike.

Aug 13, 2021 | News Story

New York Times tech employees walked off the job on Wednesday in a half day work stoppage to protest the publisher's aggressive union busting efforts.