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:

Oct 20, 2023 | News Story

The UAW Big Three Stand Up Strike continues, and members at the Stellantis plant in Tappan, NY need our support. Here's how to help:

Oct 18

Union members and labor allies of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) prepare to protest outside the headquarters of International Flavors & Fragrances at 521 W. 57th St. in New York City on October 18th.

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

Nearly 113 years after the tragedy, the long-awaited public memorial to the victims and legacy of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was dedicated Wednesday in front of a crowd numbering in the thousands at th

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

The musicians of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, represented by AFM Local 802, rallied this week outside Lincoln Center as the ballet celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

The Jewish Museum unionized staff have voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contract after over a year of organizing and negotiations.
 

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

Workers at Alamo Drafthouse, the movie theater chain known for dine-in service and strict policies on etiquette, voted to unionize yesterday in Lower Manhattan, with 65% of workers voting in favor of joining UAW Local 2179.

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

In a major expansion of the nationwide strike actions, 8,700 UAW members walked off the job Wednesday, shutting down Ford Motor Company’s iconic and extremely profitable Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.

Oct 11, 2023 | Press Release

NEW YORK, October 11, 2023—Nearly 113 years after the tragedy, the long-awaited public memorial to the victims and legacy of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire will today be dedicated at the s

Oct 6, 2023 | News Story

Wednesday, October 11, 11:30AM: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was one of the worst workplace tragedies in American history. But it was also a turning point in winning safer working conditions and basic human rights for working people throughout America.

Oct 6, 2023 | News Story

Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has announced that it has organized the production assistants (PAs) who work as part of stage management teams on Broadway and sit-down productions produced b