The Best (and Worst) States to Work in the U.S.: Oxfam’s 2024 Report Highlights State-Level Action on Worker Protections
The U.S. lacks strong federal protections for workers, leaving many with inadequate wages and few benefits. However, many states have stepped up to fill this gap, enacting their own laws to improve worker well-being. According to Oxfam’s 2024 "Best and Worst States to Work in the U.S." report, which analyzes 27 different policies across three categories – wages, worker protections, and rights to organize – certain states are leading the way in creating a more equitable and supportive work environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Washington D.C. tops the list with an overall score of 85.67, thanks to its high minimum wage, phasing out of the tipped minimum wage, and strong protections for workers’ rights to organize.
- California, Oregon, New York, and Washington round out the top five. These states stand out for their progressive policies, including paid family leave, scheduling protections, and robust domestic worker rights.
- States with the lowest scores include North Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia, which lack strong minimum wage laws, paid family leave, and robust worker protections.
Washington D.C. Leads the Way
Washington D.C. earned a top score of 85.67, demonstrating its commitment to worker rights. Its minimum wage of $17.50 per hour significantly surpasses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Moreover, D.C. is actively phasing out the tipped minimum wage, currently set at $2.13 per hour nationally and $10 per hour in D.C., which disproportionately affects workers in industries such as restaurants and hospitality.
"D.C. does lead all of these other states on the wage front," says Yannet Lathrop, senior researcher and policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project. D.C.’s commitment to worker rights is further evident in its robust "Rights to Organize" score, which reflects strong protections for collective bargaining.
California Sets the Standard for Worker Protections
California secured second place with an overall score of 85.11, earning recognition for its comprehensive worker protections. "This is a state that is really setting the standard when it comes to protections at work," says Kaitlyn Henderson, senior researcher at Oxfam.
California’s commitment to protecting workers extends across various sectors. For instance, California has been at the forefront of enacting policies to protect farm workers and domestic workers. The state has implemented paid family leave, paid sick leave, and predictive scheduling protection, ensuring workers can take time off without financial hardship and have greater stability in their schedules.
Oregon: Championing Fair Scheduling Practices
Oregon, with an overall score of 83.53, distinguishes itself by prioritizing fair scheduling practices. Oxfam highlights Oregon’s rule requiring certain workers to receive a minimum 14-day written notice of their schedules. This legislation helps to address issues related to unpredictable schedules, erratic hours, and last-minute changes, which can significantly impact workers’ lives.
"Not all states have a lot of laws on the books with regards to scheduling," notes Henderson. Oregon’s comprehensive approach to worker protections, including paid family leave, paid sick leave, and strong rights to organize, demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable workplace.
New York: Protecting Domestic Workers
New York, achieving an overall score of 83.08, stands out for its landmark domestic workers’ rights legislation. "New York was the first state in the United States to pass a domestic workers Bill of Rights," remarks Henderson. This legislation includes the right to overtime pay and a day off every seven days, ensuring fair treatment for domestic workers, who often face challenging working conditions.
New York’s commitment to worker protections is further strengthened by its paid family leave, paid sick leave, and robust Rights to Organize policies, contributing to its strong overall score.
Washington: Addressing Warehouse Worker Concerns
Washington State, with an overall score of 75.75, earns recognition for its specific legislation addressing warehouse workers’ concerns. "Washington has a warehouse worker protection bill," explains Henderson. This legislation stipulates that employers must provide workers with written descriptions of work quotas, bonuses associated with meeting or exceeding quotas, and other relevant information. This transparency aims to protect workers from unfair pressure and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Washington’s commitment to workers’ rights also includes paid sick leave, paid family leave, and strong protections for collective bargaining, contributing to its position among the top five states in Oxfam’s report.
The Impact of Progressive Policies
The positive impact of these progressive policies on worker well-being is evident. "We see certainly less prevalence of poverty, less prevalence of food insecurity," says Henderson. "We see less prevalence of workplace injury, whether from heat illness or on the job in a warehouse." These findings underscore the importance of state-level action in addressing the shortcomings of federal legislation and creating more equitable and supportive work environments.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Federal Action
While state-level initiatives are crucial, the lack of comprehensive federal legislation continues to hinder progress. "We can see very easily how these policies can be made to scale at the federal level," notes Henderson. "We know they will work," she adds. "So when will they be passed?"
The disparities highlighted in Oxfam’s report highlight the urgent need for federal action to ensure all workers in the U.S. enjoy equitable wages, strong protections, and the right to organize. Only through unified federal legislation can we create a truly just and equitable workplace for all.
