Article

A How-To Guide for State and Local Workers’ Boards

Kate Andrias, David Madland, and Malkie Wall explain how state and local governments and advocates can use workers' board policies to raise wages and improve benefits.

Workers’ boards are governmental bodies that bring together representatives of workers, employers, and the public to set minimum standards for jobs in particular occupations and sectors. These boards—also known as wage boards, worker standards boards, or industry committees—investigate challenges facing workers and make recommendations regarding minimum wage rates, benefits, and workplace standards. Boards can also set scheduling requirements, paid leave policies, training standards, and portable benefit contribution rates. As part of their operations, boards conduct hearings and outreach activities as well as issue reports on their findings.

This report provides a road map for state and local government officials and advocates interested in developing policies on workers’ boards.

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Authors

Kate Andrias

David Madland

Senior Fellow; Senior Adviser, American Worker Project

Malkie Wall

Research Associate