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:

Jan 7, 2016 | Press Release

“Mayor de Blasio’s proposal is a real step forward in ensuring that New York City’s working men and women have the tools they need to help with the rising costs of everyday living expenses in our city,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Jan 13

The state legislature can pass a statewide $15 in 2016 – but they need to feel the pressure from people across the state who know that an $8.75 minimum wage isn't enough to live on.

Take a stand against poverty wages in New York on January 13!

Dec 14, 2015 | News Story

New York, NY - The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) announced a partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and a coalition of unions, area churches and developers known as the United Cl

Nov 10, 2015 | News Story

Today, one year from 2016 Presidential Election Day, workers gathered in Downtown Brooklyn to call for “$15 and a Union.”  Representatives of unions including 32BJ SEIU, 1199 UHWE, TWU Local 100, RWDSU, Workers United, CWA District 1, CWA Local 1109, Teamsters 814, Ironworkers Local 40, Teamsters

Nov 10

Join workers from across the Labor Movement, activists, and allies calling for a raise for millions of low-wage workers.

Go to FightFor15.org to sign-up for updates.

Oct 16, 2015 | News Story

From the AFL-CIO

Oct 13

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO is gearing up for ​a protest against Original Media, producers of the hit tattoo show INK MASTER.

Oct 23

What do fast food workers, construction workers, new media, entertainment workers, teachers, transportation workers, and retail workers have in common?

They are all fighting for change by putting workers' voices & faces front and center in their fights!

Sep 11, 2015 | Press Release

"As the cost of living in New York City continues to increase, it is imperative that all workers receive the middle class wages that will allow them to pay for housing, care for families, and invest in their local communities," said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Co