Women, people of color, and single parents “disproportionally represent” low-wage workforce in the U.S. According to a new study from global nonprofit Oxfam America, more than one-quarter of the country’s workforce makes less than $15 per hour, with millions more earning less than the minimum wage of $7.25—with women, people of color, and single parents “disproportionately” representing these low wage workers. Forty-six percent of Hispanic / Latino workers earn less than $15 per hour, while 47% of Black workers also earn less than $15 per hour compared to 26% of White workers who earn less than $15. Among single parents, 57% earn less than $15 per hour. Some major companies have been trying to better address this in recent years: Recently, Target announced that it would adopt a minimum wage system that will pay employees up to $24 an hour, while Bank of America made a similar statement, increasing its minimum wage to $21 an hour amid labor shortages in the country. (The Hill)
