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:

Dec 21, 2014 | Press Release

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families of NYPD Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu and the entire NYPD community as we mourn this tragic and senseless loss of life.  This tragedy highlights the risks that all of NY’s Finest take every day when they go to work to protect the people of N

Dec 19, 2014 | News Story

The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO wishes you a Happy Chanukkah, a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year.

Dec 12, 2014 | News Story

This week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey proposed a wage increase for workers at the region’s three major airports.  Members of U

Dec 12, 2014 | News Story

This week, hundreds of horse carriage supporters gathered at City Hall for an afternoon rally, supporting the workers and protesting Councilman Danny Dromm's measure to outlaw the iconic industry. The carriage drivers are members of Teamsters Local 553.
 

Dec 1, 2014 | Press Release

New York, NY - New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez today released the following statement, reaffirming the Council's support of the horse carriage industry:

Dec 16

This year marks notable progress in the fight for climate and economic justice, yet we still have a long way to go. How we decide to take action will impact the resilience of our physical infrastructure systems that we rely on every day for energy, water, transportation, and communication as well

Dec 4

The contract between CWA and Verizon is nearing its expiration.

Join CWA Local 1101 outside of Verizon headquarters on the 25th anniversary of the 1989 Strike.

Nov 19, 2014 | News Story

Wouldn’t it be amazing if working families gathered together on Black Friday and sent a message to the country’s largest employer that its workers deserve a living wage and full-time work? Well, that’s exactly what’s going to happen, and you can be a part of it.

Nov 28

Walmart is the largest private employer in the world, and the Walton family, owners of the company, has more wealth than 43% of Americans combined.