Report: State pays workers more than private industry

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A new report says Oklahoma pays its employees more than workers in the private sector.

State workers and their advocates don't believe it.

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association says the state workforce is underpaid. Ten thousand workers belong to the association.

The report is by the conservative Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. It estimates state employees are paid 31-point-4 percent more per hour than private employees in the state.

It also says state employees are paid two-point-nine percent more than state workers in six nearby states.

Oklahoma ranks third among the six states in total compensation per hour worked, including wages, salaries and benefits.