State of Working Ohio 2001

The 2001 edition of the State of Working Ohio found that at even at the peak of the longest, strongest recovery in recorded history, Ohio workers were not reaping the rewards of a decade of extremely high productivity. Though low levels of unemployment in the late 1990’s finally boosted low-wage workers’ wages, workers across the board were not doing as well as they did in 1979. Wages, benefits, and pensions have decreased, and race and gender gaps in pay continued. Union membership and education were found to be key forces for increasing wage rates and equality. Policy recommendations for addressing poverty and wage inequality are included.