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:

May 10, 2024 | News Story

On Wednesday, the National Audubon Society hosted a luncheon in New York City to celebrate the achievements of women in the conservation movement.

May 10, 2024 | News Story

Thanks to their unwavering solidarity and determination, the musicians of "Severance” have successfully secured an AFM union contract for their recording and sidelining work on the show.

May 10, 2024 | News Story

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

May 10, 2024 | News Story

This week, Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) Union members

May 3, 2024 | News Story

On Wednesday, hundreds of New York City building and construction trades workers gathered in hardhats for the annual Memorial Mass and Procession at St. Patrick's Cathedral honoring their fellow workers who have tragically died on the job over the past year.

May 3, 2024 | News Story

Presidents of the American Federation of Teachers, New York State AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers, and United University Professions joined New York State Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos Thursday for a rally outside CUNY's Midtown headquarters organized by unionized faculty and staff of

May 3, 2024 | News Story

Unionized staff at Condé Nast brands such as Vanity Fair, GQ, Glamour, Bon Appétit and more have pledged to walk off the job after months of contentious bargaining on their first contract as well as on management’s proposed layoffs – and with the Met Gala only days away.

May 3, 2024 | News Story

After weeks of escalating tactics, the unionized workers of Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) have forced management’s movement on key contract demands.

May 3, 2024 | News Story

On Sunday, workers and community supporters with Tabletop Workers United

May 3, 2024 | News Story

Production employees of the off-Broadway show “Little Shop of Horrors” have voted overwhelmingly to join The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), becoming the fourth off-Broadway group to unionize since IATSE launched its organizing efforts earlier this year.