Fact Check: "Only one in three New Yorkers has a good job with living wage and benefits."
What We Know
The claim that "only one in three New Yorkers has a good job with living wage and benefits" is supported by recent data from the Office of New York City Comptroller. According to their report, as of 2023, approximately 33.2% of New Yorkers hold what is classified as a "good job." This classification is based on several criteria, including the provision of a living wage, full-time and year-round employment, employer-sponsored health insurance, and safe working conditions (source-1).
The report defines a "good job" as one that meets the following conditions:
- Living wage pay: The job must pay at least the required living wage for the worker’s household.
- Full-time year-round employment: The job provides at least 35 hours of work per week for at least 50 weeks a year.
- Employer-sponsored health insurance: The job includes health coverage.
- Safe working conditions or compensating pay: The job does not involve excessive physical strain or exposure to hazards, or compensates adequately for such risks.
These criteria reflect a minimum standard for economic security and workplace standards, as outlined in the Comptroller's analysis (source-1).
Analysis
The assertion that only one in three New Yorkers has a good job is corroborated by the data presented in the Comptroller's report. The report indicates that the percentage of workers in good jobs fluctuated over recent years, peaking at 35% in 2020 before slightly declining to 33.2% in 2023 (source-1). This data is derived from the American Community Survey and other reliable sources, which enhances its credibility.
Moreover, the New York by the Numbers Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook report also emphasizes this statistic, stating that about 33% of New Yorkers have jobs that meet the defined criteria of a good job (source-2). This consistency across multiple reports reinforces the reliability of the claim.
While the sources are credible, it is essential to note that they are produced by the NYC Comptroller's office, which may have a vested interest in highlighting job quality issues in the city. However, the data is based on established methodologies and national surveys, which lend it a degree of objectivity.
Conclusion
The claim that "only one in three New Yorkers has a good job with living wage and benefits" is True. The data from the NYC Comptroller's reports clearly supports this assertion, showing that approximately 33.2% of workers meet the criteria for good jobs as defined by the analysis. The consistency of this statistic across multiple reputable sources further solidifies its accuracy.
