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 3, 2017 | News Story

On Thursday, November 2, union members recognized Latina Equal Pay Day, the day when the average amount of money Latina women make catches up to the average wages white men made the year before.

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

On Monday, October 30th union members from all over NYC gathered in Times Square to rally with striking IBEW Local 3 workers.

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

Last Saturday, union members gathered in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens for a day of GOTV to educate their fellow union members about the dangers of a NYS constitutional convention.

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

As of Wednesday, November 1, open enrollment for health care coverage by the Affordable Care Act is open through December 15th.

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

This week, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and other top labor leaders joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and other top party leaders to introduce the “Better Deal” platform, a series of pro-labor reforms.

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

Local 802 AFM recently launched a new social media campaign called “Musicians of New York.” In the style of the Humans of New York photo project, the series includes photos of Local 802 members either in their workplaces or out on the streets of New York City, usually with their instrument in han

Nov 3, 2017 | News Story

Boycott Hilton Albany Hotel! Sign On to a Letter of Support in Solidarity with Hotel Trades Council Workers

Oct 20, 2017 | News Story

On Monday, District Council 37 AFSCME Executive Director Henry Garrido participated in an Oxford-style debate, to educate listeners of the dangers of a New York State Constitutional Convention.

Oct 25

Now more than ever, communities of color are under constant attack, and we can’t afford to put our livelihood at further risk.

Oct 24

Now more than ever, communities of color are under constant attack, and we can’t afford to put our livelihood at further risk.