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Oxfam ranks California and Washington D.C. top for workers' rights
CNBC reports that an Oxfam index evaluated labor laws and worker protections across all 50 states.
The short version
- Oxfam released its 2026 Best States to Work Index on September 3, assessing state labor environments based on laws active as of July 1, 2026.[CNBC]
- California, Washington, D.C., and New York secured the top spots due to higher pay and supportive worker policies.[CNBC]
- The evaluation incorporated wages, organizing rights, and worker safeguards, introducing caregiver protections as a new category this year.[CNBC]
Key facts
- Oxfam published its 2026 Best States to Work Index on September 3, 2026.[CNBC]
- California, Washington, D.C., and New York ranked at the top of the index because of strong wages and worker-friendly measures.[CNBC]
- Overall scores are determined by wages, worker protections, and the right to organize.[CNBC]
- Oxfam added caregiver protections as an evaluated policy metric for the 2026 rankings.[CNBC]
- The index assessed state policies and legislation that were in effect by July 1, 2026.[CNBC]
- An August 2026 Gallup poll found 47% of Americans want labor unions to possess greater influence.[CNBC]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.