Tennessee Ranks Among 2024’s Ten Worst States to Work in America
A recent study analyzing data in three key areas has named Tennessee among the top ten worst states to work in America.
Three Key Areas of American Work Life
The study conducted by OxFamAmerica looked at three key areas of American work life: wages, worker protections, and rights to organize. The score in each area was weighted to calculate a final score for each of the 50 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
Federal Minimum Wage Stall
The study points out the stall in the federal minimum wage which hasn't seen an increase since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25 per hour. While many states have increased the minimum wage for their residents, many have sadly settled uncomfortably into the federal minimum wage.
The federal minimum wage has stagnated at $7.25 for 15 years, the longest the federal minimum wage has remained unchanged since the minimum wage was established in 1938
Top Three Best States for Workers
When it comes to the top of the list, or the states considered by the data to be the "best to work," the study says that Oregon, California and the District of Columbia are the top three.
Tennessee Ranks in the Bottom 10
For workers in the Volunteer State, the ranking is pretty grim. OxFam places Tennessee in the #47 position (out of 52), making it the 6th worst state for workers. The study points out that the minimum wage of $7.25 is only 19.2% of the cost of living for a family of four in the state. To see more on Tennessee's ranking and how the score was determined, visit OxFamAmerica.org.
READ MORE: Tennessee Ranks Among Least Happy States
[Source: OxFamAmerica.org]
The 10 Best Jobs That Don't Require A College Degree
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews