OXFAM 2026

State Worker Rights and Policy Index 2026

Worst to Best State Rankings
Rank ▼ State Min Wage Right-to-Work Worker Index
Authoritative 2026 Benchmark Status
North Carolina ranks #1 among the worst states for workers in 2026 with an overall index score of 10.25, reflecting a $7.25 minimum wage, right-to-work legislation, and absent state-level paid leave mandates.
North Carolina
Category: Worst States for Workers (Oxfam 2026)
Rank #1
Composite Index
10.25
Min Wage
$7.25
Wage Score
12.4
Right-to-Work
Enacted (Yes)
Protections Score
10.2
Rights Score
8.1
Live Policy Reform Simulator Adjust state legislation
Proposed Statutory Min Wage: $7.25 / hr
Repeal Right-to-Work Legislation
Restores union security agreements
Mandate State Paid Family Leave
Guarantees worker paid medical/care leave
Simulated Worker Index
10.25
Simulated Rank Outcome
Rank #1 (Worst)
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