Article

Workers’ Boards: Frequently Asked Questions

Workers’ boards—also known as wage boards or industry committees—set minimum wage rates, benefits, and workplace standards for an entire occupation, sector, or industry. Boards can raise wages for both low- and middle-income workers, and they are particularly helpful in industries where traditional collective bargaining is difficult.

What is a workers’ board?

A workers’ board—also known as a wage board or industry committee—is a governmental body that sets minimum wage rates, benefits, and workplace standards for an entire occupation, sector, or industry. In order to ensure that those standards meet the needs of a range of stakeholders, the board includes representatives of workers and employers and enables public participation.

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Authors

Kate Andrias

David Madland

Senior Fellow; Senior Adviser, American Worker Project

Malkie Wall

Research Associate