California takes 2nd place in Best States to Work

CALIFORNIA – A new report by Oxfam, published August 28, names California as the 2nd best state to work in 2024.

According to Oxfam, the index shines a light on how states are responding to the growing movement for worker’s rights in the U.S.

“In its sixth edition, we take a look at new efforts to give workers higher pay, stronger workplace protections, and the right to organize unions and collectively bargain for a more equal future—all of which contribute to more vibrant communities,” says the report.

California is ranked #2

Oxfam says for the last several years, the same states have been rotating among the top five, reflecting consistent increases in minimum wages and steady investments in the well-being of workers.

California comes in second, with a cumulative score of 85.11 for having one of the strongest minimum wages in the country, providing paid leave, and ensuring child labor protections.

In addition, the report says California has heat standards for outdoor workers as well as warehouse worker protections.

Coming in at the top spot is the District of Columbia with a score of 85.67 for having the highest minimum wage in the country – $17.50 per hour. Although DC is not a state, Oxfam included the federal district because the population is over 700,000.

Oregon, New York and Washington took the 3rd, 4th and 5th positions.

Worst states to work

Oxfam says at the bottom of the index, the five lowest-ranking states fall in the South, and none scores above 15 points: North Carolina (52) has a score of 5.53, Mississippi (51) scores 8.32, Georgia (50) scores 9.86, Alabama (49) scores 10.75, and South Carolina (48) scores 12.20.

“Of these bottom states, all have a minimum wage stuck at the federal level of $7.25, none mandates paid leave, and all have so-called “right-to-work” laws on the books.

According to the report, when a state has a so-called “right-to-work” law, it is difficult for unions to organize and to thrive. States with these laws prohibit unions from collecting dues from people who benefit from their activities.

The report notes that no state has a perfect score as all of them still have some room for improvement.

“For the most part, our states scoring the highest are states where the minimum wage—while strong—still cannot keep up with the cost of living for a family,” says the report.

They go on to say that the index can be used not just to encourage states at the bottom of their index to do more, but also as a tool to help the federal government see opportunities to set a higher bar across the countries for low-wage workers and working families.

To read the full report click here