New report ranks North Carolina dead last for workers

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — North Carolina is often recognized for its business-friendly environment, but a new report from nonprofit Oxfam ranks the state at the bottom when it comes to conditions for workers.

According to Oxfam’s report, North Carolina ranked 52nd in the organization’s assessment of states and U.S. territories based on wages, worker protections and workers’ rights to organize.

The ranking includes all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

North Carolina’s minimum wage

One of the issues examined in the report is North Carolina’s minimum wage.

The state’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, the same as the federal minimum wage. That rate has remained unchanged since July 2009, when the federal minimum wage was last increased to its current level.

The report also examines workplace benefits and protections.

According to Oxfam, North Carolina workers are not guaranteed paid sick leave or paid family and medical leave under state law.

The organization’s assessment considers multiple factors beyond wages, including workplace protections and the ability of workers to organize.

The findings come as North Carolina continues to be recognized for its business climate while questions remain about wages and workplace benefits for employees.