Jobs and labor
Wages, union rights, paid leave, and workplace protections.
The federal floor is set by Congress; most of what sits above it is state law. Minimum wage, paid leave and worker classification differ enormously by state because states may exceed federal standards but not fall below them.
Who decides this
- Congress
- Federal minimum wage, overtime rules, union organizing law, OSHA, and unemployment insurance standards.
- Your state
- State minimum wage, paid sick and family leave, worker classification, workers compensation, and state labor enforcement.
- Your city or county
- Local minimum wage and scheduling ordinances where state law permits them.
In Congress Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions · House Education and Workforce
5 open questions
S. 2438
Should Congress Phase Out Subminimum Wages for Workers With Disabilities?
The bill would phase out Section 14(c) certificates that allow below-minimum wages. Supporters cite fair pay and integration; opponents worry some workers could lose job placements. Where do you land?
H.R. 5390
Should Congress Establish a National Paid Family and Medical Leave Program?
The bill would create a national paid-leave insurance program administered through SSA. Supporters cite worker and family support; opponents cite cost and payroll taxes. Where do you land?
H.R. 20
Should Congress Protect Workers' Right to Organize by Passing the PRO Act?
The PRO Act would expand union-organizing rights and override state right-to-work laws. Supporters say it strengthens labor; opponents say it burdens employers and limits worker choice. Where do you land?
S. 2984
Should Federal Law Make It Easier to Classify Gig Workers as Contractors?
The bill would set a federal test making many gig and app-based workers independent contractors. Supporters cite flexibility; critics say workers would lose benefits and protections. Where do you land?
S. 1332
Should Congress Raise the Federal Minimum Wage to $17 by 2030?
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. Supporters say a raise would lift low-income workers; opponents warn it could raise prices or cut jobs. Where do you land?
Common questions
- Who sets the minimum wage I am paid?
- Whichever is highest of the federal, state and local minimum that applies to you. Congress sets the floor; most increases in the last decade have come from states and cities.
- Who decides if gig workers are employees?
- Both. Federal agencies interpret it for federal law, but state tests like California’s ABC standard decide it for state wage and benefit law.