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:

Mar 19, 2021 | Press Release

“The New York City Labor Movement is horrified and outraged by this week’s fatal attack on mostly female workers of Asian Pacific descent in Georgia. No one should have to fear for their lives at their jobs. We send our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.

Mar 19, 2021 | News Story

With masks on and drums beating, student-workers formed a picket line on Monday at 116th Street and Broadway and along College Walk to mark the first day of their strike.

Mar 19, 2021 | News Story

On Tuesday, the editorial employees comprising the Fortune Union walked off the job for one day to hold an informal press conference and rally to expose management's bad-faith in negotiations with the NewsGuild of New York, the worker’s bargaining representative, and to demand a fair, equitable c

Mar 19, 2021 | News Story

Actors' Equity Association has asked its members to talk to the union before agreeing to work for New York City's new "Open Culture" program.

Mar 19, 2021 | News Story

In recognition of the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, IBEW Local 3 has added a

Apr 7

Join us for a discussion between women leaders of the Labor Movement to reflect on the issues this pandemic has brought to light, as well as to discuss the next steps in the fight for equity in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Moderator: 

Mar 12, 2021 | News Story

This week, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion bill to help fight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mar 12, 2021 | News Story

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation which will make it possible for tens of millions of workers to exercise our freedom to freely and fairly form a union and bargain together.

Mar 12, 2021 | News Story

After two years of bargaining, graduate workers at Columbia University (GWC-UAW 2110) are set to go on strike on Monday, March 15th at 10am if the University does not agree to a fair contract. Last spring, 96% of student workers voted 96% yes to authorize a strike.

Mar 12, 2021 | News Story

On Wednesday, the CLC hosted our 2021 Labor and Civil Rights event, an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the continuing unity and interdependence of the labor and civil rights movements.