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:

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

A six-week wave of strikes that hobbled the three largest U.S. automakers has resulted in tentative contract agreements that, if ratified, will give autoworkers their biggest pay raises in decades.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

Unionized staff of the Brooklyn Museum, members of Local 2110 UAW, have set a strike deadline and will begin picketing the Museum on Wednesday, November 8 if no agreement on a contract is reached before that date.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

The Times Tech Guild – the largest union of tech workers with collective bargaining rights in the country – walked out Monday afternoon in protest of the New York Times’ flagrant disregard for their rights as union members.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

Following the devastation of Hurricane Ida, the community of Cambria Heights, Queens lost a local landmark on the corner of 222nd Street and 115th Avenue. The dual archways ornamenting the sidewalks of 222nd Street are beautiful public artwork that predates most of the homeowners on the block.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

Unionized workers at Scholastic – the children’s publishing powerhouse – walked off the job Wednesday in protest of the billion-dollar company’s refusal to pay its workers fair wages, specifically its rejection of the Scholastic Union’s proposal for annual raises.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

Workers at the Brooklyn Strategist, a popular board game cafe in Cobble Hill, demanded voluntary union recognition as the Brooklyn Strategist Workers Union, as part of Tabletop Workers United, on Wednesday by confronting owner Jon Freeman with a petition signed by more than 75% of workers.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

New York State is about to submit its plan to the Federal Government to spend nearly $1 BILLION on broadband deployment and we need to make sure our recommendations are included in the plan.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

It’s been nearly two years since the WGA East began negotiations with MSNBC, but they’re still fighting for a fair first contract. Thus far, MSNBC has refused to agree to fair wages or codify meaningful work-from-home flexibility for its workers.

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

The General Election is Tuesday, November 7, and early voting is running through Sunday, November 5th!

Nov 3, 2023 | News Story

November 6-November 9: SAG-AFTRA members are still out on the picket lines and need our support, now more than ever!