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:

Mar 4, 2022 | News Story

On Monday, the Executive Board of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Feb 28, 2022 | News Story

The GMG Union—which represents G/O Media workers at Jezebel, The Root, Lifehacker, Kotaku, Jalopnik and Gizmodo—is fighting for a fair contract and needs your help.

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

"The AFL-CIO joins with unions from around the world in standing in solidarity with our union partners in Ukraine.

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

More than 100 retail workers at the national outdoor gear chain Recreational Equipment, Inc. will decide whether to form a union during an in-person vote on March 2, paving the way for what could become the company’s first unionized store.

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

Mayor Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams have reached an agreement to fund a universal Summer Youth Employment Program that will offer 100,000 jobs to those aged 14-to-24. Under the deal announced at a joint press conference on Feb.

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

The new LaGuardia Airport in Queens is one of the most complicated construction projects in American history and it is being completed two years ahead of schedule and 100% union built.

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

On Wednesday, the New York City Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor held its first hearing of 2022, with a focus on how the City can take preventative measures including, but not limited not to enhancing worker protection requirements in City contracts, effective policy mechanisms to com

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

Together with our partners, we welcome this week’s outcome of the largest-ever auction of offshore wind development rights!

Feb 25, 2022 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week filed Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) against Amazon claiming that it has engaged in misconduct during the re-run union election in Bessemer, Alabama.