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The problem is that there are surprsingly few rules to protect American workers. The USA and Japan are the only industrialized nations that don't have mandatory vacation rules. Most workers in Japan get all of one week a year off. The USA gives an average of two.
Look at Europe where BY LAW people get five weeks off. Australia, it's SIX to START! Studies have shown that people in these countries are more productive in the workplace because they're more rested.
Another fact that people find shocking is that if you're not an hourly worker (such as a manager), your company can make you work as many hours as it wants and not give you overtime. It can fire you if you refuse to work those hours. Many people work 60 hours a week and get paid for 40. Others are afraid to call in sick for fear of getting laid off.
And... many companies even get into what their workers do on their off hours. Some are not allowed to moonlight without getting permission first, others aren't even allowed to join political groups.
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