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:
Production employees of the off-Broadway show “Little Shop of Horrors” have voted overwhelmingly to join The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), becoming the fourth off-Broadway group to unionize since IATSE launched its organizing efforts earlier this year.
Management at The Second City has voluntarily recognized the UFT as the collective bargaining agent for all employees involved in instruction at their new NYC improv comedy center. This includes teachers, facilitators and cast members.
Around the world, workers’ lives, livelihoods and rights are under attack. Climate disasters and conflicts are displacing people from their homes, and are increasing risks for working people and all our families.
August 5-9: The 2024 Summer School for Women in Unions and Community Organizations will be held from August 5-9th at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The registration for this year's event will be available shortly.
Thursday, May 23, 11AM: During the middle of REI’s annual Anniversary Sale members of REI Union SoHo will join with union siblings from across the city to protest REI’s failure to bargain a contract in good faith.
Wednesday, May 1, 11AM-2PM: Join the Public Employees Federation for a KPC Informational Picket from 11am to 2pm outside the faculty.
Members of the Fordham Graduate Student Workers union (FGSW-CWA Local 1104) have reached a tentative agreement with Fordham!
Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) at Sesame Workshop have reached a tentative agreement with management on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement.