Washington state is best in the nation for workers, new study says

Washington is the best state in the nation for workers, according to a new report released Thursday.

The study, by Oxfam America, based its findings on wages, worker protections and workers’ rights in all 50 states and the nation’s capital - and only Washington, D.C., had a higher overall score than Washington state.

A statement released by Gov. Jay Inslee said he believes the state’s new paid family and medical leave program played an important part in securing Washington's top spot in the ranking. The new program will provide all workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a serious health condition and up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child or an ailing family member.

Oxfam, an unapologetically left-leaning organization originally formed in 1942 to end poverty and its causes, also gave high marks to Washington state for not having a so-called right-to-work law similar to those that have weakened unions in other states.

The study also noted that Washington has rules to ensure equal pay, accommodations for pregnant workers, and sexual harassment protections, as well as laws that prohibit pay secrecy in the workplace.

"Washington state is busting the myth that policymakers have to choose between promoting a strong economy or protecting and supporting our workers," Inslee said. "We consistently rank as having one of the best economies in the nation, and that’s because businesses thrive when we invest in our people and in making our state a beautiful and healthy place to live."

According to the Oxfam report, Washington also was the only state to score 100 on wage standards, topping even Washington. D.C. in that category. Washington state's lowest score came in the category of worker protections, where it ranked No. 10 in the nation.

California was ranked as the second-best state for workers overall. Oregon ranked No. 6 overall.

The states with the worst rankings were North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi - and Virginia, which came in dead last, with a score of zero in both wage standards and the right to organize.