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:

Apr 28

Every April 28, the Labor Movement reflects on men and women who lose their lives while on the job.  Join labor leaders and fellow activists to commemorate their sacrifice and march to honor their memory.

Apr 24

Join members of APWU to rally & march to stop Staples!

Please download the attached flyer for more details.

Apr 11, 2014 | News Story

Today, 32BJ SEIU officials announced that a tentative four-year agreement has been reached on a new contract for roughly 30,000 doormen, porters, building supers and other Residential workers.

Apr 18

New York International Auto Show

Javits Convention Center – West 34th Street & 11th Ave., New York City

April 18 through April 27, 2014

Apr 4, 2014 | News Story

Today, Friday, April 4 roughly 100 airport workers and 32BJ members gathered at JFK Airport to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a nine mile march to LaGuardia Airport.  

Apr 4, 2014 | News Story

On Wednesday, April 2, thousands of 32BJ SEIU members and supporters gathered at 79th Street and 5th Avenue to take a stand for Residential workers.  The eastbound march ended on Park Avenue, where union members and officials took the stage t

Mar 21, 2014 | News Story

On Thursday, Mayor de Blasio signed the expanded Paid Sick Leave bill into law.  This measure would require compa

Mar 21, 2014 | News Story

A residential contract between SEIU 32BJ and the Realty Advisory Board (RAB) is due to expire on April 20, 2014.  This contract covers 30,000 32BJ members working in over 3,000 different buildings in New York City.  32BJ has been at the bargaining table fighting for fair wages and the protection

Mar 28, 2014 | News Story

Residents at Elmhurst Hospital have voted to join the Council of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU Healthcare)!  Last September, 140 Elmhurst residents petitioned for the right to join the union, in response to the fact that they are paid roughl

Apr 4

Sanitation Workers 1968—Airport Workers 2014