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 16, 2023 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week announced it will be filing Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) against REI, Inc. in both the SoHo and Cleveland unionized stores.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Projectionists at a Brooklyn Alamo Drafthouse, the movie theater chain known for serving food and drinks during screenings, have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Review Board.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Mediation between the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)—which represents the captains, assistant captains, mates, engineers and chief engineers on the Staten Island Ferry— and the City, ongoing since last year, continues, with another meeting will take place next week.

Jun 11, 2023 | Press Release

"Through the pandemic, extreme weather, and other significant challenges, New York City’s delivery workers keep millions of New Yorkers fed. In return, last year our City made a promise – that we would deliver the minimum pay and protections they fought so tirelessly for.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

NYCOSH has created a slideshow aimed at providing important information about how outdoor workers can protect themselves, including info about key terms, types of respirators, and how to conduct a "seal check.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

In a powerful show of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA members have voted 97.91% in favor of a strike authorization ahead of negotiations of the TV/Theatrical Contracts, with nearly 65,000 members casting ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of eligible voters.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

Wednesday night, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that, by an overwhelming vote of 97% in favor of the union, workers at Barnes & Noble’s Flagship Union Square store have voted to join the RWDSU.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

Workers at Insider have been on a ULP strike since June 2nd over management's decision to illegally change their health insurance, saddling them with higher costs and worse coverage.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

As nearly 600 postdoctoral fellows continue fighting for a first contract with Mt. Sinai, an overwhelming 80 percent of 350 student researchers have now organized and seek representation as Sinai Student Workers-UAW (SSW-UAW) at the major New York City biomedical research institution.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

The entire Labor Movement was deeply saddened this week to learn of the passing of beloved AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs. Bill Spriggs was above all a man of intellectual rigor and courage, the conscience of the labor movement.