As part of its annual Labor Day observance, Oxfam released its list of “Best States to Work Index,” and while we all love Michigan, it did not fare well in this year’s survey. Michigan held steady in 31st place in 2023, earning no higher marks than it did in 2022. Oxfam cited Michigan’s comparatively paltry minimum wage ($10.33) as one reason. A minimum wage worker will earn less than 27% of what it takes to raise a family of four here.
The wage itself isn’t the only problem that Oxfam spotted; Michigan was also downgraded because state law prohibits municipalities from assigning their own minimum wage rules. Additionally, at the time of the Oxfam survey, Michigan had no policy on paid sick time for workers and has only limited protections for working conditions for minors. Oxfam’s Best States to Work Index considers three broad policy areas: wages, worker protections, and organizing rights.
The news for Michigan wasn’t all bad. The state ranks 26th in terms of working conditions for women. Michigan also ranked first in the “right to organize” category. Don’t get too excited, though. Thirty-five other states also lay claim to the #1 ranking here.
Overall, the ranking means that Michigan is closer to being one of the “worst” states to work in. In case you’re wondering, North Carolina has nowhere to go but up, according to Oxfam. Michigan compares reasonably with most of the states in the Great Lakes region. Illinois (#7) ranked highest among the states in this area. Michigan fared better than Wisconsin, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and worse than Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois and New York.
Michigan community colleges could improve state
Michigan should fare better in next year’s survey, thanks to a big jump in Michigan’s minimum wage. Nonetheless, the state has trended downward since Oxfam began ranking states. In 2021, for example, Oxfam ranked Michigan 29th overall.
Improving the attractiveness of the working environment isn’t just about raising the minimum wage, though. A better educated workforce leads to more employment opportunities, higher wages, better health outcomes, better schools, and more. So, there are lots of incentives to improve the employment landscape.
Community colleges have a role to play in improving the work environment and employment opportunities in the state. Focusing on programs that prepare students for high-wage, high-demand jobs is one way to help rebuild and diversify Michigan’s economy. In doing so, they can spur improvement in other “quality of life” areas, like improved housing, improved infrastructure, and better funded schools.
Photo Credit: Simon King , via Flickr
