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:

Jun 6

BRING BACK OUR BOOTHS! Thursday June 6th - Day of Action!

The MTA has closed hundreds of subway booths making our transit system less safe. Join workers and & community members in a day of action to BRING BACK OUR BOOTHS!

May 16, 2013 | News Story

Our sisters and brothers who are members of the Legal Services Staff Association, NOLSW, UAW Local 2320 went on strike on the morning of Wednesday, May 15th after working almost a year without a contract.  Despite making historic offers to management to share in the costs of healthcare and forgo

May 14, 2013 | News Story

Last night, in a vote of 82 to 53, the New York State Assembly passed the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (A1792/S1743).  This

May 11

Tomorrow, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will hold their 21st annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.  Letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations placed beside customers’ mailboxes.  These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food

May 8, 2013 | News Story

In a historic vote by the New York City Council, Intro 97-A, the New York City Earned Sick Time Act passed by a margin

May 10

Click below for the schedule and for more information.

Mar 22, 2013 | News Story

As President of the New York City Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), I represent over 1.3 million workers across many industries and professions in the private sector, public sector and building and construction trades.  Many of these workers have the benefit of collective bargaining agreements tha