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:

Feb 23, 2018 | News Story

America produces more wealth today than at any time in history, yet the economic rules written for the rich and for powerful corporations have resulted in hard times for regular people.

Feb 2, 2018 | News Story

This week the National Writers’ Union, UAW Local 1981 (NWU), announced a settlemen

Feb 2, 2018 | News Story

This week the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Technical Staff, NYSUT Local 3882 (

Feb 8, 2018 | News Story

Mary McColl, Executive Director of Actors' Equity Association, penned this column which appears in the latest issue of Variety.

Jan 26, 2018 | News Story

Members of the MET Orchestra were joined by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer at the New York Public Library’s Harry Belafonte Branch at 203 West 115th Street in Harlem to perform a FREE “Musical Read-Aloud” for children and families.

Feb 1

In 1968, Memphis sanitation workers went on strike to demand fair wages and safe working conditions after workers Echol Cole and Robert Walker lost their lives on the job.

Feb 24

Join the Working People's Day of Action in New York, NY.

Thousands of working people and our allies will stand up for our freedoms and demand an end to a system that’s rigged against us. We will rise up and fight.

Jan 22, 2018 | Press Release

New York City Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez stated, “We applaud NY State Attorney General Schneiderman in leading this multi-state coalition, and for his steadfast support for workers across our state and country.

Jan 19, 2018 | News Story

Thursday morning, Labor leaders from New York City stood with community leaders, members of the City Council, and the broader Labor Movement around the country to kick off the I AM 20

Jan 19, 2018 | News Story

Workers at Hunt’s Point Market have ratified a new three-year agreement that includes substantial pay raises and funding for the workers’ health and pension plans. The agreement was reached after workers had voted to authorize a strike if the Tuesday deadline was not met.