Analysis of pay, employment protection and labor policies in the U.S.

A recent analysis by Oxfam, a coalition of anti-poverty organizations, has revealed that there are significant disparities in worker protections and pay across U.S. states. The report, which was authored by Kaitlyn Henderson, a senior researcher at Analysis of pay, employment protection and labor policies in the U.S., evaluated the best and worst states for workers based on local wages and policies, including paid leave and the right to form a union. The analysis highlights the critical role of policy landscape in supporting low-wage workers and working families.

Oxfam's analysis considered not only states' minimum wages but also policies related to tipping and support for unemployed workers. Henderson emphasized the importance of considering what happens when a job is lost through no fault of one's own. The availability of paid leave at work is also a crucial factor, particularly for women, who are often the primary caregivers in households. Additionally, the report found that employees benefit from working in states that facilitate unionization, leading to narrowed gender wage gaps and increased awareness of unsafe workplaces.

Leading States for Workers

The analysis identified the top five states for workers, which have historically been known for their worker-friendly policies. These states are:

• Washington, D.C.
• California
• Oregon
• New York
• Washington

According to Henderson, these states have consistently ranked among the top five and continue to pass new pieces of legislation to support workers. She emphasized that these states are setting the standard and creating models for what legislation can look like at both state and federal levels, thereby positively impacting the well-being of residents.

States with Poor Worker Protections

On the other hand, Oxfam identified North Carolina as the "worst state" for workers for three consecutive years. The organization cited the state's low minimum wage of $7.25 (the federal baseline), lack of paid leave, and "right-to-work" laws that impede labor organizing as contributing factors to its low ranking. Other states that received low rankings include Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Through its index, Oxfam aims to highlight that labor policies do not exist in isolation but have a broader impact on workers and communities. Henderson emphasized the need for policymakers to take seriously the implications of having or not having policies in place when it comes to the well-being of residents. She also pointed out the "widening geographic inequality" among workers in the U.S. and advocated for federal laws that would set a standard for all workers to address this disparity.