Wages, economic worries take center stage at NC AFL-CIO convention

Like a lot of people who’ve moved to North Carolina in recent years, Christa Jackson was looking for a lower cost of living. These days, she’s not finding it.

“I moved here three years ago from Los Angeles. Never thought that my very fuel-efficient, 12-gallon car would cost me $46 to fill-up here,” said Jackson. “It’s ridiculous.”

Jackson, a member of the Actors Equity Association, attended the North Carolina AFL-CIO’s annual convention in Cary to discuss policies that would improve the outlook for working families struggling in the current economy.

Gov. Josh Stein did not shy away from addressing one of the greatest economic disparities in the state as he addressed the convention Thursday.

A new report released over Labor Day weekend ranked North Carolina as the worst state in the country for workers. By contrast, in each of the last six years, North Carolina has been ranked number one or number two in the nation for business.

Labor Day 2026: North Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workers

“The General Assembly has not raised the minimum wage in 17 years,” said Stein. “And the minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 an hour. You have to work an hour to fill up your gas tank with half a gallon.”

Republican state lawmakers have argued it’s unnecessary to raise the $7.25 minimum wage because many employers already pay more than that in the current labor market. But advocates say that isn’t always the case, especially in rural areas where unemployment is higher.

Stein also pointed out that North Carolina is the only state in the country with a complete ban on collective bargaining by public employees.

“Shame! Shame!” responded union members in the audience.

Stein told the audience of 250 labor activists that it is possible to build an economy that supports both working people and businesses.

“Strengthen public education. Invest in workforce development, including apprentices. Lower the cost of living. And make sure that you all have a seat at the table,” said Stein.

Stein said his administration is working to rein in rapidly rising costs for healthcare and housing, two of the largest expenses for working families in North Carolina.

‘Harder to make ends meet’

Jackson lives in Angier, where housing costs are lower than in Raleigh or Holly Springs, but she’s still noticing that people are tightening their belts.

“I’m seeing the prices are higher. Restaurants are empty. Folks can’t afford to go out,” said Jackson.

Jackson said she’s been a union member for three decades and is now fighting for the next generation.

“I never went without health insurance. I have a pension from that work, which is so rare, I can retire, and I made a living wage,” said Jackson.

She said while some younger workers may be content with the gig economy, collective bargaining can help them get the job security and benefits they’ll need as they get older.

“I’m thinking they’re not going to be able to afford healthcare,” said Jackson. “They’re not going to have jobs that give them retirement. They’re just going to have to continue to work and work and work and work.”

Calandra Hackney, also with the Actors Equity Association, agreed with that assessment.

“I think it’s harder to make ends meet for everyone,” said Hackney.

Hackney said she was worried about some of her colleagues being able to afford transportation.

“In order to get a job. you have to get to the interview,” said Hackney. “I went to the pump yesterday and paid $4.19 a gallon for gas in Durham. For regular gas. That’s insane.”

Marching orders

Dolly Parton’s iconic “9 to 5” – a workplace anthem for many – played over the convention center speakers just before Braxton Winston, president of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO, took the stage.

Winston told delegates that real progress happens when workers, unions, community organizations, and elected officials work together to win lasting change.

He said one of the best ways to improve the current economic landscape is to encourage working people and their families to register, vote, and stay involved in local, state and national politics.

Winston encouraged union members to stick around after the two-day convention to help knock on doors in Raleigh in support of pro-worker candidates. Representing over 125,000 union members, Winston said, the NC AFL-CIO has the power to shape the outcome of many races this fall. The group has been mobilizing voters since spring.

“As we know, if you don’t have a seat at the table…” Winston said.

“You’re on the menu!” responded the audience.