A recent report by the International Trade Union Confederation shows that the United States is one of the worst countries for workers’ rights. We also don’t handle unemployment well.
Let’s compare what American workers’ rights to European workers’. Here are four differences.
#1: Hours & Minimum Wage
European workers also typically work 40 hours per week – but that includes lunch breaks, so we actually work more. They also have wage inequality, but their minimum wages are generally much more generous than ours.
#2 Health Care
Health insurance is tied to our jobs. Lose your job, like during a pandemic, and you lose your health coverage! It’s also one of the most expensive, worst-performing systems in the world.
In nearly every country in Europe, high-quality health care is universal, not job-based. And if you get sick, can you even take time off work? Well...
#3 Sick & Parental Leave
Every European country guarantees at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, and some countries are expanding paternity leave as well! The USA doesn’t guarantee ANY parental leave – or sick leave, either.
#4 Vacation
European employers are required to give at least four weeks – a MONTH – of vacation to EVERY worker, plus holidays! Some give even more. American workers, again, are guaranteed nothing.