Why OTHER COUNTRIES Treat Their People So Much Better (American Reacts)

[@JD.Knight]

Any company that pays minimum wage are basically saying, "if we could pay you less, we would."

[@jamesmason3348]

That's the double edged sword of minimum wage. On one hand it ensures that workers are guaranteed a minimum level of remuneration, on the other it gives a get out of jail free card to companies because they can claim "well, we're paying our workers a living wage" which often it's clearly not.

[@SassiLassi]

I'm so proud to be able to say that I have never had a McD and have no intentions of doing so.

[@simonsaunders8147]

Has it not be "re-named" the Living Wage?

[@popazz1]

@@simonsaunders8147 Certainly in the UK the minimum wage does not equate to the living wage. The government bean counters might wish to convince us it means the same thing but the reality contradicts this.

[@simonsaunders8147]

@@popazz1 What they label the "Living Wage" is known by all-and sundry as the minimum wage. I am currently on Universal Credit as I am between let-downs. This month my "wage" is £704. Not much left after rent and bills.

[@TheMaraki2]

The power of language is so important. What you call 'benefits' in the US are 'employment rights' in Europe.

[@rjdverbeek]

Here in the Netherlands everyone has healthcare. Even if you don't have a job. So it is not coupled to your job. Furthermore, you also get a pension when working part-time. It is just not the same amount as with a fulltime job. Vacation days are available from day one on your job. The minimum number of yearly vacation days is 20 for a fulltime job. Sick days are not substracted from your vacation days. My wife got 4 months paid leave per child for the birth of our children. I got 1 day off per week for 15 months (per child) to spend time with my newborns. For students the university-fee is around 2200 euro per year.

[@AnnaKaunitz]

@@rjdverbeek That’s shockingly expensive. Swedish universities are free. Each child comes with 480 days payed parental leave with 3 months reserved for the dad/other mom.

[@nose-vm3gu]

And it's not even just Europe, I'm from Chile, and I was shocked at seeing this. I've been hearing all my life how the USA is so great, I wouldn't change my country for this.

[@AnnaKaunitz]

@@nose-vm3gu Yeah I think most of us outside the US would like to visit but never live there. I’m never leaving Sweden for the US.

[@sefhammer6276]

@@AnnaKaunitz Im norwegian and i feel the same way. But I would gladly live in other parts of Europe because there I would be treated like a fellow human

[@FlipOver]

"The American dream. Because you have to be asleep to believe it" - George Carlin - RIP

[@taterkaze9428]

It's sad how right he was.

[@kytestar]

Or as Al Murray says "In the UK we don't have a "Dream" like the Americans do. It's because we are awake!"

[@davgg9621]

@@kytestar how's Brexit?

[@larspettersson3874]

@@davgg9621 even if Brexit isn't good for UK they still doesn't treat their workers as slaves and have free healthcare for all citizens! How's free healthcare in the USA?

[@romystumpy1197]

@@kytestar yes😂

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

I was watching an American movie in a Belgian cinema, when the male lead proudly announced the US was the best country in the world to live. The audience erupted into spontaneous laughter, all the funnier because I’m pretty sure it wasn’t meant to be comic.

[@pigedehekkan]

Everybody except USAians know that USA is not the best country in the world. It's actually pretty far down on the list for almost every parameter. But it's understandable as it's quite normal to believe a lie if everybody is preaching the same propaganda.

[@TheChiefEng]

USA is a dump. Try to travel around USA. Large parts of USA is like a 3rd world trash heap.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

@@TheChiefEng I have travelled around some of it and everywhere the people were friendly, if a little unsure where Belgium was on the map.

[@candytoo3729]

Same in Canada! We laugh because that is so crazy. Sad but true.

[@BradGrove]

@@catherinerobilliard7662 Friendly? Sure, but that doesn't have much to do with what we are discussing here.

[@cambs0181]

I find it interesting that Americans believe that Europeans sit and dream of a day they have enough money to get the ticket to head to America, for a better life. U'm no! Minimum wage which goes up annually, 4 weeks standard paid holiday, free health care, no obligation to work more than 48 hours a week and a workplace pension is pretty standard in UK and EU countries!

[@xoxxobob61]

I live in FLORIDA and last year we Voted to change our State Laws to increase the Minimum Wage beyond the US FED Level. It just went up to $10 a hour up from $8.65 and will be $15 by 2025. I'm sure by then that still won't be enough.

[@BradGrove]

I'm glad I live in Australia. We are not taught from a very early age that our country is the best country in the world. There is no need for such brain-washing. What actually matters is fact and reality, I'm glad I live in Australia.

[@tabitha4135]

I think Australia 🇦🇺 is a very good place to live! All Australians I have met are really nice! I am clad I live in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 America 🇺🇸 is such an unfair country for working class people!

[@crabLT]

@@tabitha4135 Well, it would be a nice place to live if not for the authoritarian government and all the people in covid gulags.

[@traceyandrob13]

I am too glad I live in Australia even thought we still could be better at some things too

[@m68lanc]

I've seen the video used many times by Americans and it always amazes me that they don't know how badly they are treated, not just as workers but even in regards to health care. I love the American people I've been lucky enough to meet but they really need to start asking the political elite some serious questions.

[@cornishmaid9138]

When both Parties in government are self serving there’s no point in talking to any representative about the injustice of the divide between rich and poor.

[@alandillon968]

True! If you don't lift your eyes up and look around, over a hill or across the sea then you're only think of your own state, country then you'll always be ignorant of the truth and never compare outside your bubble. Reason why Macdonald pay different salary and benefits is because those countries have this in law! However, WOW! many American companies in Europe and Britain are seen as a good employer to work for because of the salary and benefits. One friend worked at Macdonalds and they said it was hard work but good salary . Soon they were promoted and promoted and became a area Manager with excellent salary and benefits. Another friend is working as an Accountant and has recently had a child. She agreed to use one day per week of her holidays as a day off after returning to work after being away from work caring for her new born child for over 6 months at full pay. If the child is Ill she can leave immediately (which is expected). She can phone in if the child is I'll and have the day off as 'sick-leave' and the pay is higher than many British firms will pay. So Ametican companies can and do do it but your governments of both parties let'them treat you, one step up from slave labour!

[@TheRockkickass]

We just believe that the government shouldn’t wipe your ass for you. This is about the minority of people that work shitty jobs cause they’re stupid.

[@pittarak1]

@@TheRockkickass .... obviously, your life has always gone according to plan, otherwise you'd be more understanding. You probably think along the lines of 'I'm alright, Jack', so why should I worry about you? What a caring person...NOT, you sound? Maybe you're what symbolises the US society these days; 'me, me, me' instead of 'we, we, we'?

[@RustyDust101]

@@TheRockkickass Best example of American ignorance on full display. You don't even see how this legal exploitation affects your whole society negatively. We Europeans don't demand our governments all round care (what you call wiping your ass); we demand they set fair RULES (called laws) that apply to everyone. Not everyone who fails is stupid. What you have demonstrated is a complete lack of empathy: an ability that allows you to put yourself mentally in the shoes of someone else.

[@simu31]

Couple of things: 1 - You said: "You get unnemployment checks, and there's no point in working if you're getting paid to not work." No. If companies were offering a decent salary, then working wouldn't mean earning less than the unemployment benefits, then people would work. Hardly anybody likes to be on benefits (there are always exceptions). Most would prefer to have a decent salary they could then spend how they want. Unemployment benefits are simply showing people in the US that they are worth more than $7.25/hour... and also ensuring people and families don't starve. 2 - The French parental leave of an extra "104 unpaid weeks" (on top of the 16 - 26 weeks of full pay) refers to unpaid *by* *the* *employer* . The State will still provide benefits during those additional weeks. The benefits (vacation time / unemployment benefits / parental leave / heathcare / etc) for other industrialised countries all came at the expense of our parents and grand-parents fighting for those rights (generally by marching, protesting, and striking). You guys got brainwashed into believing that if you just work a little harder, you'll be able to be rich (when in fact, you're just making your bosses richer). If you just pull yourself up by your boot straps, you'll be able to live the "American dream." It was all BS and Americans fell for it hook, line and sinker

[@simonsaunders8147]

I am too old school and am not a massive fan of parental leave after childbirth. My mum gave up her job when she gave birth to me and didn't work again until after my youngest brother was born some 8 years later.

[@lowwatthalo1654]

Saw a great simple map once of US mainland showing wealth distribution as if land owned (a big ole US pie). Something like: draw a line from Sacramento to Washington and everything above that is owned by top 10%. Outside of Texas below the line is owned by the next 15%, The next 35% own Texas except for one small county which belongs to the remainder. I'm going from memory & would love to get a link as it soooo belongs in these comments. The Nordic countries are taxed to the eyeballs- no one there loves that - but they know the benefits go to a nation, not a corporation. There's still profit & huge wealth to be had. It starts at the vote & is hampered by corporate donations to politicians. Get THAT sorted, then the peoples needs will get addressed.

[@simonsaunders8147]

@@lowwatthalo1654 The Nordic countries and Germany do levy taxes quite highly. In Sweden, for example, a "pint" of beer will set you back around US$10. That sort of price gets to nearer US$15 in Iceland or Greenland.

[@charlottemartin4715]

@@simonsaunders8147 yeah she probably left because there was no parental leave lmao

[@AnnaKaunitz]

@@simonsaunders8147 Old school? You want to survive as a nation? Women don’t want to depend on a guy for children and dads want to be part of their kids lives, everyday. Homosexual couples have kids. Children are shared responsibilities. Without kids being born, no one left to take care of you when your old for real. Now you’re just sounding like you live in the 1950s.

[@matthew.williams8783]

Poor people shouldnt go hungry. In rich countries there shouldnt be poor people. But trickle down economics only serves those at the top.

[@fastertove]

@KomodoDragon This is one of the reasons for Brexit. Their Anglo-Saxon social model isn´t shared by the rest of the EU.

[@anglosaxon5874]

The 'wellfare state', a marxist ideology is also to blame for people being 'poor' in some countries. It was designed as a stop-gap for people inbetween jobs and not to live off as is today. We have 3rd/4th generation lazy people here in the UK who have never worked a day in their lives, but get all the free stuff and free upgrades to their houses etc. paid by other low paid people who want to work through their taxes. People can complain about capitalism, but the marxism system is far worse! The 'green new deal' will pay the same to people who want to work or not, so why work? Then the country collapses as nothing is produced/repaired, then the money runs out [not enough taxes or tax rates go up so high that industries close and more out of work], or like china, you just print more money and inflation rises and causes more poverty/starvation/death [saving money by not turning on the heating/buying clothing etc.]. The American system is very bad though, but who makes the laws? You get what you vote for!

[@fastertove]

“Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” - it is about balancing things. Ideologies are not much worth in and of itself.

[@stewartfraser6578]

Trickle down economics simply means those at the bottom get p****d on.

[@RoadKamelot2nd]

@@anglosaxon5874 The Marxist ideology is horrifically flawed and actually completely disregards individual differences as well as massive cultural differences but that doesn't mean that the extreme opposite is the only solution. The Scandinavian countries seem to be taking the best pages out of both books when compiling their system. I'm no expert on political or economical systems, but something like employment mandated by law (with clearly defined legal exceptions in case of a severe unsolvable health condition) could maybe prevent people from enjoying the benefits without contributing. Also, even though it's a utopian and completely inapplicable, people SHOULD educate themselves on what communism truly is, because if people are aware of what it is, corporate propaganda and politicians would not be able to label basic human rights as something "communist" and antagonize them. A crude example: Let's say employers in the US want to make a 90 hours week the norm as well as abolish any kind of leave from work. And they then declare: "Having days off and working less than we mandate is communism!" People who don't know that they're being lied to will BUY into that. And they'll voluntarily give up their basic human right to rest and relaxation just because corporations and propaganda successfully antagonized said right by labeling it as something evil (in this case: communist). If people knew what communism IS, it could not be antagonized and abused to the end of depriving people of their rights. And the safest way to deprive people of their rights is to never educate them on those. People in the United States don't know that paid vacation is a human right even in underdeveloped countries, let alone those with a higher standard. Finally: fighting for rights also demands sacrifice. And with the current hyper-individualism, nobody wants to man the front lines when the prize they're fighting for is COMMON well-being. Regardless of society or economic model, people need to re-learn that we cannot accomplish great things on our own. People in capitalist societies need to remember that a collective can accomplish a LOT more than the individual. "Socialism" contains the term "social" in its etymological root. And man is by nature a social being. And we can and SHOULD be and act as social beings even within a capitalist system, and not "everyone for himself".

[@Whippy99]

I’m a retired British woman. My last employers were absolutely amazing. Fair pay, great working conditions, hugely supportive co workers and management. We could choose to work from home (pre covid) if the nature of our jobs enabled it and bonuses. We even got our birthdays off - paid. I will be forever grateful to have worked for such a fabulous group of employers. 🇬🇧

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

Yup. I'm European and I had: 1 year of maternity leave at a 100%, then a another 18 months of parental leave at about 80%. My full time work is 37.5 hrs (the full time week mandated by law), have 6 weeks annual paid vacation time, plus all the national holidays, etc. I was surprised that Easter monday and boxing day aren't days off in the States. I had cancer a few years back and not only did I have three months of fully paid sick leave (we have unlimited sick days) but of course health care is free. Same as my almost adult son's university fees in a few years time. Yes, we pay higher taxes, but it's honestly worth it. Another thing is we have some very strick employment laws, so a worker can't be fired while they're on sick leave, maternity leave or at all, really, unless they are caught stealing or embezzling, etc. Would not trade any of it for "the American dream". No thanks.

[@lunaticeagle3007]

sounds like Germany or the same rulebook.

[@emiliajojo5703]

@@lunaticeagle3007 to say the same, the name sounds Spanish, the rest German

[@stevenleslie8557]

...and your unemployment rate is?

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

@@stevenleslie8557 7.83% in 2020, according to Google.

[@kinuuni]

@@stevenleslie8557 Would you like some aloe for that burn or are you good?

[@southvillechris]

Great video! In the UK, too, there's a tendency for people in low-paid jobs to be looked down on. But when the pandemic hit, we all discovered that "essential workers" weren't marketing agents, lawyers, bankers and other high-paid executives, but supermarket staff, food delivery riders, takeaway food workers, road sweepers, cleaners and so on. I hope we might have a bit more respect for the people doing those jobs now.

[@ihavemyownpathtofollow8638]

Seeing this makes me feel sad for people in U.S.A , genuinely. You're treated like robots not like human beings. I live in Belgium. Here, if you don't work full time, you can also have a compensation paid by your syndicate. (Btw, even if it's not mandatory, we're almost all affiliated to a syndicate). Wich means concretely our salary have to be around 1500 to 1600 € per month for 38 to MAX 45 hours/ week. If you work half-time, you are probably having around 800€ as salary and the syndicate can provide you the difference. You just have to ask and give them the informations and papers they ask you. It's just that simple. And country of the North like Sweden seems to have even way better systems. So truly, it's modern esclavagism the way you're treated. And I say this being totally awared our systems are way from being perfect. Actually, a lot of politicians are willing to have this whole american wild capitalism in Europe. We have to fight for our rights. The big difference is we are not isolated in our little bubble. They can't scare us with some sort of "communist threat."

[@JesusManera]

I'm in Australia, my wife just had a baby this year and is taking 12 months off - all paid (not all at full rate but at a mix of different rates). I also got 2 weeks of "Supporting Partner" leave which I took immediately after the baby was born, and when my wife goes back to work after her 12 months off, I'll have about another 6 weeks of fully paid leave to take as well. Basically she got: 2 weeks maternity leave which has to be full pay, the choice of another 14 weeks at full pay or 28 weeks at half pay (she chose 28 weeks at half pay), then another 18 weeks which the government pays the leave instead of the employer (and by law the employer has to grant the time off). That's already 48 weeks. After all that, she also had her annual 4 weeks of paid holiday leave that she tacked onto the end of it, making it a full 52 weeks off. That 18 weeks paid by the government is increasing to 26 weeks over the next couple of years too. Strange that the USA claims to be so focused on traditional family values but then allows employers to force their staff to sacrifice quality family time.

[@bluepeter128]

This is all so true.. Once you leave America . You see how well people live and happy and safe. Quality of life...

[@olafluee2860]

That‘s why I‘m so happy to live in Germany. We have Stress too, but still enough time for our personal live. We are not like batteries, which you can just change out, when they are empty. That doesn‘t even make sense in a economical way. The highest worth every company has, are their workers. Their good job is making the money! But anyway: it‘s your thing what you are about.

[@joshsheffsagain4662]

I just love the facial expressions of our American brethren when they realise what a crappy deal they're getting.. 😂🤣😂🤣

[@pashvonderc381]

Yep, life in the Colonies certainly ain’t that rosey…

[@FahadAyaz]

What do you mean? Murica! Best country in the world

[@pashvonderc381]

@@FahadAyaz In comparison to which other countries and why ??

[@thyrussendria8198]

@@pashvonderc381 In comparison to Atlantis maybe? And even that is a stretch

[@jules.8443]

America is turning out like the Handmaids Tale.

[@gavvo-7640]

Definitely going the Gilead way it seems...

[@lesleyhill143]

Texas being the first to fall but others on their way.

[@margretblaswich]

It's a mix of Gilead and Panem

[@TommyGlint]

As a European I’m pretty depressed by how workers are treated in the US. That said, how on Earth has this got to do with A Handmaids Tale or Hunger Games?

[@jrgash9167]

It's about time that you guys woke up and smelt the cup of joe, I've always wondered why, when speaking to Americans on any of these topics, they would defend America to the hilt and insist that America was better! Good to see that the youth are starting to see the reality of there culture ( Good luck with college )

[@wolf310ii]

Well, if "America" is the only country you know, then its of course the best country of the world, especialty if you been spoon feed 24/7 for your whole life "Murica is best, USA No.1"

[@madams2312]

It's worse in the usa when you think about it, not only do you not get time off work for a baby but it's going to cost over $10k for the hospital. I'm truly happy I live in the UK

[@dezzhoudini9046]

I hope this dont offend anyone as its not my intention, but the biggest reason why America is so far behind the rest of the world is because of the peoples loyalty to the flag and refusing to believe the rest of the world are far better at this stuff than them.. until the majority accept they need to change and stop believing they are "the best" then they can start making things better for themselves.. only then can you really be proud of those stars and stripes..

[@margaretnicol3423]

If you asked how many stars are on the flag or even the stripes they probably couldn't tell you!

[@treescape]

Your being honest that's good.

[@TheAlja]

But ... the flag, that represents something. Freedom, Opportunity, things that should be larger than just monetary profit. They are so proud of their military, and i don't mean the strength here, the service, they are willing to fight for their country, for their fellow americans, they put their spouses and children in danger. But ask them for some tax for the greater good and they go crazy. I don't even really want to judge that, maybe there is some logic behind all that, but from my outside perspective it is baffling and doesn't even make sense.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@TheAlja Feel free to judge - why not. It's selfish, greedy and often simply racist! There! I've said it.

[@audhumbla6927]

and not being able to differentiate between comunism and social democracy

[@vera_nika2]

I find your commentary interesting and curiousity about the world is awesome.

[@captain_context9991]

"Why this happens in the richest country on earth" Thats a huge fallacy right there. Its americas CORPORATIONS that are rich. Not the people, and not the government.

[@mariaberg442]

Yes,in Norway we have 1 year fully paid maternity leave.We also have free education/healthcare.Everyone should have those rights.

[@101steel4]

Yep, my English cousin lives in the States, and says their people are treated like crap by the government. It's all about getting their taxes. It's been even worse during the pandemic, no furlough scheme, just a couple of very small payments, and that's it. Go to work and risk getting infected or stay at home and starve

[@williamharding4260]

A friend of mine used to work in the oil industry. Was used to expensive living. Got fired due to a downturn. Got a job in catering - realised people don’t see the person serving them. It made him a better person - luckily he realised it in his twenties.

[@alanlittle4589]

I've been subscribed to Second Thought for a while. It's a brilliant channel. One of the best reactions I have seen. The UK sometimes compares less favourably with other European countries, but we compare ourselves with the US and realise we have things pretty good after all.

[@hullmees666]

yeah, comparing yourself to the best of the best makes everybody seem bad. we do that in estonia too, always comparing ourselves to nordics. and due to that many miss the actual improvements that have been happening. average european (EU) standard of living will be surpassed in this decade. and that is pretty good considering where we were in the 90s.

[@garyagentg]

Funny how bias it is without mention of Canadians yet mention countries most Americans don't have a clue where they're located, hello were next door?

[@alanlittle4589]

@@garyagentg Canada is beautiful. I always think that Canada is to the US what Ireland is to the UK and New Zealand is to Australia. NZ, CA, IE, they're all smaller (smaller population for Canada, rather than land mass). All a bit happier, more laid back, always seems more beautiful, better quality of life than their neighbours. Thing is.... Is it true? I've been to Canada, it's amazing. Never been to the states. I live in UK, visited Ireland and adored it, but do I just think the grass is greener? Never been down under. Just get this impression via the media.

[@ulllaaaklara]

Polish girl here. We have 26 days 100% paid vacation leave, one year maternal leave with 80% paid and max. 182 "sick days" paid 80%. Also you can take "sick day" when your kid is sick so you can stay home with him. And when you are pregnant you can't work night shifts, standing work max. 3h a day, in front of computer max. 5h a day and overall max. 40h a week, not an hour more. Many pregnant women take "sick days" through the entire pregnancy and are paid 100%. I had a baby last year, I was on my "sick days" since March 2020, then since August one year maternal leave and then I took my 26 vacation days from 2020 and 26 days from 2021. I will go back to work in October and still have like 7 vacation days left to use. I work only MON-FRI, every weekend and Holiday is free. However, my boss pays for my salary about 7000PLN but to my paycheck goes about 3800PLN, the rest goes to taxes, social security and other benefits. That's the downside of it.

[@StephMcAlea]

Dude, having more than your compatriots doesn't mean you're excluded from the struggle. YOU are needed! Students are often at the forefront of revolutions. I'm British and we'd love to have you here, brother. I have many American friends and it breaks my heart to see your country brainwashed and exploited. If you want to change the world, be the change that turns the world. Just by reacting to this video you've shown others how it truly is. Bravo.

[@MarkFarm]

How wonderfuly put.

[@freyjasvansdottir9904]

Here in Denmark 37 hours a week is full time. In Iceland where I’m from a full work week is four days a week

[@karlharvymarx2650]

Ah yes, I remember my low pay part time jobs. One was a supermarket working 39 hours a week. The often meant work until 3 a.m.and then come back in at 5 a.m. No benefits. Not even unpaid time off for holidays, like xmas. Another job had more regular hours, but was heavy manual labor in a metal building in FL so it was often well over 100F inside and literally risking life and limb to antique factory equipment so no safety measures. My easy cooldown work was sticking my hand into a fast conveyor belt to right cans that had fallen down and remove those bloated from spoilage.(The spoiled cans could blow up in your face) A moment of distraction could easily mean having your arm ripped off. The rest of the day was lifting 60 pound cases of cans off a pallet, about one every 2-3 seconds, and handing them to another guy behind you. That was minimum wage to start and then a 5 cents raise after 3 months, maybe again in a year or two.. I don't remember what minimum wage was at the time, but somewhere around $3 per hour. All of those jobs were in a "right to work" state which is a somewhat Orwellian term for having unions crippled to the point they couldn't function. Right of Employers to Abuse Wage Slaves is a more honest way to put it.

[@gavvo-7640]

Us Brits are always moaning and thinking we are hard done by, but watching this video really puts things into perspective! I work nightshifts in a care-home and work roughly 51 hours per week. It's a tough job and care workers are generally poorly paid in my opinion, but feel lucky I can afford to rent my house and pay my bills. Awesome reaction vid JPS.

[@paul1979uk2000]

As a Brit myself, Brits are hard done by, just not as much as the Americans are but in comparison to other European countries, the UK is at a cross road from European and American ideals, still better than the American system but not as good as the European system and our system might actually get worse thanks to Brexit.

[@JarlGrimmToys]

The difference is we moan that we’re hard done by. While many Americans seem blind to the fact they’re hard done by, and think they have it great compared to the rest of the world. I have an American Facebook friend who was excited by his new job that gave him 2 weeks of paid holidays a year. It was his first job with paid holidays (he’s in his early 30’s). I asked him how many holidays he thought we got in the UK. He wasn’t sure if we got any. So was gobsmacked to find out we get 5.6 weeks off fully paid. He said “that must be for a really good job though”. And I said no that is what everyone is entitled to that works 40 hours a week, and if you work part time it’s worked out on how many hours you work.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@JarlGrimmToys True and we used to be like that in the UK but Margaret Thatcher subdued the UK population that the public hardly ever fights back against the system, a lot of Europeans still have that fighting spirit but the UK and US have lost that, hence why things are better EU countries than they are in the UK and US. In Europe, including the UK, we take it for granted how good we actually have it compared to much of the world and even compared to the US, I fear that in the UK with Brexit, the country is going to slip and lose a lot of the things we take for granted.

[@paulm2467]

@@paul1979uk2000 leaving the EU has strengthened the worker’s hand, they are no longer in competition with cheap labour from East and South Europe. Spain has a youth unemployment rate of over 30% and it has been the same for over 10 years. It’s becoming obvious that the EU is a boss’s club and buys off the workers with bread and circuses. There are over a million job vacancies in the UK and around 1.5 million unemployed, (including the unemployable), this means that the worker has become a valuable commodity again, conditions and pay both rise when workers are valued and difficult to replace.

[@Chris66able]

@@paulm2467 Blue collar workers in Europe live hand to mouth, unlike in UK.

[@leviathan1805]

Australia’s minimum wage increased this year by 2.3% and is now $20.33. Full time employees also get minimum of 4 paid weeks of annual leave which accumulates every year if not used and 18 weeks of paid parental leave but a lot of companies choose to offer more but cannot offer less. We also get 10 paid sick days a year.

[@gazinessex2]

Excellent original video. I like watching the Americans reacting.

[@susanashcroft2674]

Wow Jps that was quite depressing in respect of the things it covered in this video and I am so glad you could empathise with families working so hard for little. One thing that struck me was not only do you have to pay healthcare costs to have a baby but if the parents especially the mother works there is no opportunity for the mother (or any provision for the father) to bond and spend time with their newborn, as it appears from this video that it's work work work. Jps I hope you get to come over to the UK and also travel as you seem you want to learn so much about other places and you deserve to. Hope college is going well for you too.

[@baylessnow]

A message to American CEO's. People work to live, they don't live to work. I have worked for an American company who dropped all the UK bank holidays, including Christmas day, boxing day and new years day!!! Oh what fun it was, NOT!

[@susanashcroft2674]

@@baylessnow Never a truer word there as life is too short to be all work and no play so to speak.

[@scifibob]

@@baylessnow Good luck getting through to american CEO's. I might be a pessimist, but I compare USA with North Korea. You cannot make any change that the government does not want you to. The government is backed by the almighty dollar, and the symbol of corruption is organisations like the American Rifle Association and others. I'm glad that I will be dead in not that many years, and I don't have any children. Because the world is fucked.

[@johnvandeven2188]

My wife is employed as a receptionist and works 25 hours per fortnight which is very part-time. She earns $30 per hour, 20 days paid annual leave, 10 days paid sick leave, paid public holidays and fully paid superannuation. Her health insurance is provided and guaranteed by the government. She pays almost no tax due to her level of income. And this is available to all Australians.

[@handypandy490]

I'm in my 70's..... my grandfather would have fallen off his chair in disbelief, if he had heard that a business created a billion dollar industry by selling fried mincemeat sandwiches.

[@bpf5666]

Mine too - my grandfather and father were master butchers!

[@johankaewberg8162]

Thank you. My wife is a migrant, with serious health problems. She raised a wonderful son as a single mom, due to welfare. Go Sweden!

[@michw3755]

The reason you're the wealthiest country on the planet are for these very reasons and to the detriment of it's workers, it would seem that the only way to get a good job is to go to college, like yourself, and get into debt in order to stay out of debt later on. Your country maybe rich but it doesn't equate to being the best, when the only people benefitting and enjoying themselves are the rich

[@lowwatthalo1654]

Wealthiest by average or mean. What percentage are on or below poverty line.

[@jo-hd1kx]

I've been watching you for quite a while now Jps. You are maturing into a really sensible, intelligent & thoughtful young man & it's lovely to see. Keep doing what you're doing because its working (Ive subscribed today) Cross the pond & come see us in the UK soon.

[@manosmarkakis9393]

There is a Greek saying that says: someone has the good name , someone else has the reall charm . It suits perfect on what this video is about

[@Mrsluckysa]

The way you shared your experience and then said 'hell no' made me subscribe. ❤

[@christinepreston8642]

That shows how other nationalities get the time to travel and US citizens are kept at home. They say travel broadens the mind and it seems as though its part of some form of indoctrination to keep minds closed!! The lack of parental leave seems so cruel, especially after the cost of medical care and even being charged to hold your newborn. How families bond from birth onwards with this work/life balance, baffles me.

[@andyt8216]

Come on over, I have a spare room! The video also failed to mention healthcare more generally. At least anywhere in Europe, you wont be paying for an emergency ambulance and your health care will either be free or infinitely cheaper!

[@kevon_shabangu]

I live in a 3rd world country, this is funny to me 😂😂 Healthcare here for someone without health insurance is a dollar per hospital visit, whether you're there for a broken arm or chemo A dollar

[@tearoapouhaereiti9060]

$21.20 an hour is the living minimum wage for an adult worker in any low income work here in New Zealand. Around $17.00 an hour for a trainee or a person starting out. Generally, most workers are paid at least $20.

[@margaretnicol3423]

To keep yourself grounded check in with Beau of the Fifth Column on a regular basis. Common sense and learning for all. He's a real American like you are. PS: Not for a reaction - just for you. Everyone should have a little Beau in their lives.

[@arttumakinen6700]

this makes me happy to be finnish citizen

[@erikempire318]

Agreed but from the other side of the ditch.

[@eKko0]

@@Dexter_2105 i think the norwegians grabbed it last year?

[@spanishdncr71]

Nobody should be looked down upon for having a job no matter what that work is, after all somebody has to do it. I work as a nanny and some stay at home mothers look down on me for what I do and yet I’m earning my own money, not relying on somebody else to keep me and paying my own bills. I often find their reactions towards me changes when they find out I actually have a bachelor’s degree 🤷🏻‍♀️It’s just snobbery!!

[@morhaimtyr4173]

Be proud of what you do. A working class worker is as valuable as a white collar worker. They could't do what they do, if you wouldn't take care of their children while they are at work.

[@Rob-yj9ew]

Can you imagine looking down on a nanny and then put your own child in the care of that person.... tells a bit how much you care about your own child. A nanny, a teacher,a nurse, all those who take care of us and we put trust in, can not be looked down on if you make use of their services.

[@TinaKim96]

In my country (Croatia) a woman gets a minimum of one year paid maternity leave and if she gets fired from work because of pregnancy the employer will very much so end up in jail.

[@roberthickton7732]

Excellent video. When society looks down on people with low paid jobs then you know that country definitely as got things so wrong.

[@SarahWilson-fv5vo]

Bravo but sadly a lot of arrogant people think the same here in the UK, never used to be the case, I think it's the university education that makes them think they're better. Sad really.

[@justincredible.]

I'm from The Netherlands... and this video is 100% true!

[@delskioffskinov]

Wow that was powerful man! was'nt expecting aheavy video this early in the morning! Good video bud keep them coming!

[@Jollzeh]

In the UK a lot of minimums are mandated by law (most of which is actually EU law.) We get 5.6 weeks of paid holidays, which is 4 weeks paid leave plus 8 paid public holidays. We get statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay and statutory paternity pay. Maternity is 52 weeks: 90% pay for 6 weeks then the statutory rate up to the 9th month, with the remaining 3 months unpaid. Paternity is 2 weeks at the statutory rate. Fathers can also take any of the mother's unused maternity leave, known as Shared Parental Leave. Currently, the statutory rate is £151.97 per week. It gets tweaked annually. We have a minimum wage too which is tiered by age, the upper rate being £8.91, which is below the 'true living wage' of £9.50. Part time workers have to be paid the same. Most of all, we don't have to factor in health care costs, as that's dealt with at the national level through taxation. Likewise, prescriptions cost a flat rate of £8.50 regardless of the medicine, or you can get a subscription card at around £12 a month, which covers all prescriptions. If you require medication for the rest of your life (like thyroxine), then you are exempt from prescription charges, too. In case you were wondering :)

[@camf7522]

In Australia casual staff get paid a higher rate to compensate for the lack of annual leave and sick leave entitlements.

[@colleenborchard_burns1724]

In Australia, we also don’t have to depend on employment to have access to healthcare. America in general is screwed up.

[@gary9886]

Ive only just heard a little bit of this post and Im shocked to say the least....my son started in MDs and worked his way to manager in 5 months, he went to a huge pay rise!!! On at least 1 grand a month, Im truly shocked....

[@gary9886]

he was 19......

[@badgirltiger]

great video JPS - i cant believe how hard it must be for Americans. I always say that I have been brought up in best country in the world coming from England. the only thing we don't have is the decent weather! we do have pretty good employment laws, decent minimum wages, benefits for those who need them, we usually don't have weather disasters too often. plus the wonderful NHS. :)

[@georgejob7544]

Yes you,re getting the same as I do in Scotland but I get free prescriptions , free eye tests ,free bus travel for over 60,s and disabled, free care for the elderly! Yes I am glad here in Scotland!

[@ellenbainprior4682]

those employment laws, benefits for the vulnerable and wonderful NHS are presently in the process of being dismantled. Enjoy them whilst you still can - and carry on voting Tory !

[@badgirltiger]

@@ellenbainprior4682 rather presumptuous to assume who I vote for

[@David-sv7by]

@@badgirltiger I think Ellen was speaking to the nation not particularly to you.

[@docgonzales]

Decent weather? Its not bad considering how north you are, you get the long long days of summer and the short winter days arent deluged by snowstorms like the rest of the countries to the east or west. I lived in Australia and the winters where i was were colder than London in winter.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Don't just like that video - share it with all your friends. You could be the start of the workers revolution! :-) (When you're not doing your college work, of course!)

[@newt7705]

I think it is so sad that some Americans are treated so badley,it is so wrong.

[@margaretnicol3423]

It's very current to note that Afghanistan has better working conditions than the US yet the US look down on them as if they were a third world country!!!

[@TukikoTroy]

Socially, the US IS a third world country... It just hides behind the mask of a first world country.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@TukikoTroy They are damn good at marketing. Sadly it's only their own people who fall for it.

[@pittarak1]

... and the the US has the 'Christian Taliban' too!

[@hullmees666]

well they are a third world country which makes it worse.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@hullmees666 They are a developing nation while the US is going backwards!

[@happydog3422]

You could look into becoming a student in the UK. International students here for more than six months can work full time during vacation periods and part time during term.

[@bwoolno]

My son and two grandaughters started at Mcdonalds in Australia . The great thing about Mcdonalds , or Macca's as we call it , it gives them a very good grounding in work ethic and prepares them for work after they finish school . People underestimate how valuable jobs in Macca's and other fast food places is

[@annfrancoole34]

There is no shame in an honest day's work.

[@brianwilson3952]

My Dad was offered a very high paid job in the States in the 70s.Im glad my Mum talked him out of it. I'd be screwed living out there. Give me the UK any day.

[@babalas2867]

I'm glad you're educating yourself. 😊

[@fortuna7469]

Thank you Jps for not being one of the ignorant ones and for educating fellow Americans with your videos as well! Also, keep in mind that making burgers destroys the planet and eating them destroys one's health.

[@mattewwoodward4131]

Iv workt in KFC and a few over restaurants and it's harder than people think everything about timeing not just how long food takes to cook but how long each item can be kept all at same time as serving customers

[@uingaeoc3905]

Macs "A Trillion Burgers made" - yeah, and I never had one!"

[@ChiaraVet]

I follow the channel Second Thought quite regularly. I´m not from the US and I have never been yet. I was once in Canada but that´s different from what i understand. I am European, specifically Italian living in Germany, and that channel has given me a perspective about the USA that confirmed some suspicions I already had ( e.g. by speaking with US- friends I met here). But seeing your reaction once more tells me that I am happy to not be born in such a system. My parents have struggled for many years with their mortgage and yet we never had difficulties in getting regular/exceptional medical check ups and such or (for us as their children)going to university, even when my dad was the only one with a job (as a physician, thankfully, but still). I can´t imagine how difficult it would have been over there.

[@traceythompson3162]

Well that has opened my eyes, I didn't know America was like that, you seem like a very intelligent man, get your education and come to the uk, you will certainly be welcome.

[@EessaTube]

Under the Tory Govt, the UK is heading in the US direction, unfortunately.

[@simonsaunders8147]

@@EessaTube The Conservatives are not heading in the US direction thankfully. I'm not sure what their "direction" is at the moment. I'm not sure they even know! It's not the Labour Party direction which many activists seem to think is the Corbynesque mantra of getting back to the 70s as soon as possible.

[@mark_8719]

@@EessaTube nonsense

[@thecollector]

Sadly any American that works and lives abroad, still has to pay the US taxes aswell as the country they now live in taxes.... I believe it was on one of Evans videos which Joel watched?

[@traceythompson3162]

@@thecollector that is terrible

[@tnightwolf]

14:55 Yeah. Even if it is not paid, you have the option to be 104 weeks on top of the paid 16 weeks out of the company and still have your work when you get back. And btw that's for each person (mother and father) and they can take it at different time or together if they wish. Also France, if i remember correctly, has Social Workers that help you with your baby and expenses during that time.

[@thecollector]

WOW Joel, I could see that the video you watched along with us was actually affecting you. Some of what was on it i'd seen before, but as a whole I was quite shocked!

[@TattooedAussieChick]

I’m in Australia. I get 50 days of paid vacation leave. 17 days sick leave. All holidays during the year are paid. We get 16 weeks paid parental leave with one year unpaid with a guarantee to keep your job open till you get back. Oh and I’ve never been to college and earn $65 an hour.

[@patrickhows1482]

The other major benefit that people on low wages people get in the UK is free health care. I know you have already done a reaction video to the National Health Service.

[@gavvo-7640]

Except for Dental care though :(

[@gavvo-7640]

Except Dental Care tho :(

[@bordersw1239]

@@gavvo-7640 . With root canal treatment costing £62.50 in the U.K - I think most Americans would think of that as pretty close to free!

[@clarea-s6779]

You can still get an NHS dentist . Even the cost of a crown or bridge is. £282 max

[@gavvo-7640]

@@clarea-s6779 I have spent the past 3 months trying to find an NHS dentist - they are not accepting anybody and the waiting list is months long. Emergency appointments only and you've literally got to be dying from the pain before they will see you. :( This was my experience. And all I got was antibiotics to treat an abscess, they wouldn't extract the damaged tooth. So now I just live in hope that it doesn't become infected again. I expect more from all the national Insurance I have paid over the years. NHS funding has been cut to help the government pay back the huge covid bill, that's what I'm being toild by the numerous dentists I have been calling.

[@ainoah68]

So freaking grateful to live in Norway! Universal healthcare and education, 1 year fully paid maternity/paternity leave, 20 days a year fully paid to stay home with a sick child, 6 weeks fully paid vacation, 37,5 hour work week, daycare is max $220 a month.

[@blizzardman38]

A work friend spent $3,000 per month for her 2 kids and had a 3rd on the way (90% of her pay) She had to have a conversation with her husband to see if taking 4 to 5 years off of work was a possibility for them just to not pay of daycare

[@thetruthseeker8841]

US calls it "benefits" ... the rest of the world calls it "rights". My "third world country" has 3 months paid parental leave for the mother. Up to 60 days paid holiday (depending on positions and the amount of years working for the company, also company trips paid by the company). A McDonald's worker is capable of renting a two room flat easily. The government provides free housing if you earn less than a certain figure. So, there ya go.

[@belellkaeh2775]

a thread full of people who think govt, not freedom, is the key to happiness.

[@heirantala]

When u graduate from college the whole world is open for you to consider living elsewhere. There is a KZbinr called Evan Edinger who is an american living in uk and just got his uk citizenship. Ive watched whole punch of his stuff!

[@minoumcduff5727]

Love love *LOVE* Evan!

[@vayalond7203]

For France, the thing of 104 unpaid weeks is somewhat tricky thanks to the helping system who have a lot of cases and condition to every possibilities, so I try to keep it simple for your first child you get 16 weeks for your first child, paid your normal salary by your employer, the weeks after up to 104 are technically unpaid because your employer don't pay your anymore BUT the state give you an help, nothing really great (around 405€/month while the minimum wage is 1300€/month) you can't live on this but if one Parent take it entierly it still keep the familly income in a somewhat stable level AND the guarantee (if you were in a contract without a pre-planned end date) to get back to your job or in the same business at a similar level job.

[@pasmas3217]

If this is a surprise PLEASE watch "WHERE TO INVADE NEXT" documentary by Michael Moore. Some may not like him for being a lefty or whatever, but that documentary is actually well done and extremely informative

[@davesy6969]

The worst case of worker mistreatment i ever heard of was that of the radium girls.

[@neilstack4194]

Ouch The US is not too caring about it's employees.

[@stevenbarker82]

The Uk would be honoured to have you here dude! Keep up the amazing content

[@stevea1903]

Wow. This has really opened my eyes. I respect fast all food workers. I’m always polite and thankful for their service. However, I never appreciated that their bosses are exploiting them so much, basically because they can!!

[@leehallam9365]

I'm sure you don't mean that you only respect the students, and not the others do you?

[@stevea1903]

@@leehallam9365 of course not. I’m unsure how you managed to interpret that from my comment. However, I’ve changed the content.

[@pheenix1976]

Good to see an American with empathy. 👍

[@margaretnicol3423]

In a word - Unions! US workers need to learn that they hold the power not the employers.

[@Tarantio1983]

BuT uNiOnIsAtIoN iS SoCiAlIsM ... AnD sOcIaLiSm iS cOmMunIsM ... AnD cOmMuNiSm Is Bad ... FoX NeWs ToLd Me So, AnD tHeY dOn'T LiE!

[@AndrewHalliwell]

@@Tarantio1983 they told you they don't lie, so it must be true, by the way, there's a tower in Paris I'm authorised to sell. Interested?

[@bobpage6597]

Yeah my Union did so much good for me when I was having problems with my employers back in 2013. *Sarcasm* - certainly in the UK, the Unions are oft corrupt. 'Red' Len McCluskey living in his whopping £700k home, £400k of which was covered by the Union money before it was found out and he was forced to pay it back. You can bet your arse if it hadn't been discovered, he wouldn't have paid back a fucking penny!! Sorry, but I don't see Unions as doing any favors for workers. Union bosses on £150k salaries are all on the gravy train. I mean what the hell happened? It never used to be that way. The bosses will be fine when workers strike, they're ok with their inflated salaries....the workers of course, always suffer. Unions are bollocks! End of rant :)

[@darrellpowell6042]

In a word - Legislation! As laws make unions obsolete.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@darrellpowell6042 Nope! Strong unions can fight unjust laws. That's how good working conditions come about.

[@Cobalt-Jester]

I'm not sure on UK law regarding leave when you have a child but the company both me and my wife worked for offered my wife 4 months paid leave even though she's only been with the company 8 months before becoming pregnant and I was offered 2 month paid leave. But I never used to use my any of my paid leave I'd work everyday and then at Christmas I'd get all my paid leave as a christmas bonus in my pay check. Which was about a months wage extra.

[@dereknewbury163]

I am always amazed when I have been to the US to hear so much about the US being the best country on earth. Even though I do love the US and my friends and family there and have met so many great intelligent people, the system is basically massively rigged and frankly massively shit. I can see the impact on you JPS. The trick is to hold on to that idealism once you get more enmeshed in the system. I think you will. Yes, if you consider an alternative, the UK or somewhere else in Europe you will be most welcome. I can quite see you with an Italian wife and six kids and a professorship in somewhere like Milan!

[@beaconeersofthesevenmaps3467]

Yup! We have great food and wine here. Not speaking about climate and aperitivo!

[@Benny10001]

Very interesting. When you hear nations describes like that, I realised. In Star Trek terms, Americans think they’re the federation… whereas actually they are the Ferengi: Profit over morals, and a distorted view of the world. 🤔

[@wfcoaker1398]

Your analogy is spot on!

[@cornishmaid9138]

Honey, your generation is the future. You are the future managers, lawyers, judges, politicians, captains of industry. YOUR generation MUST make changes.

[@Cobalt-Jester]

I was once a supervisor in a medium sized ( we had 50 large freezers and took about £25,000 a week) frozen food store. I was paid £6/hour, at the time £3.25/ hour was minimum wage. This is back in the 90's. Our manager got seriously injured in a skiing accident and couldn't come back to work. So I got promoted to Assistant manager and I was then put on a set salary. But because I had no supervisor I was working in access of 60 hours a week. And if I'd been on my supervisors wage of £6/hour I'd have earned £70 a week more... As soon as a new manager was found I asked to be demoted back to a normal staff member. I'd already trained up and promoted a girl to supervisor so the only place I could go was back to shop assistant. But I was more than happy. Yes it was only £5.50/hour but I didn't have to place orders, do the banking, cash up the registers. Bargain. All I had to do was be on the check out and put stock on shelves.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Note that the Covid situation changed these low paid, looked down on workers to ''essential'' workers overnight. Who was stacking the shelves, etc.?

[@mlo3784]

Next step are paying them accordingly!

[@Jehty_]

Really? What exactly did change? I would say nothing. Did anything got better for these workers because they became "essential"?

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@Jehty_ A general appreciation that these are the people who keep the economy going rather than the millionaires. A bigger push for minimum wage increase. Didn't Amazon workers get a pay increase? I know it's not helpful yet but it was the change in perspective that will work in their favor.

[@Jehty_]

@@margaretnicol3423 🤣 Your funny. "general appreciation" 😂 Wishful thinking. Amazon raised their wages because they are desperately looking for new employees and trying to keep their older ones

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@Jehty_ You don't think the strikes had anything to do with it? If you're not happy with your own situation why are you not encouraging your colleagues to go on strike? Instead of complaining - do something about it.

[@ellenhofrath]

In Germany and other countries you can even choose if mom or dad take the parental leave or split it. And the return to the job is guaranteed. If not the same position than an equal one.

[@karasaunty9823]

God love ye, wee man. You looked genuinely upset at times. Sending you a big hug from Scotland. You're welcome here anytime!

[@scottirvine121]

Aye we will get him out on the town and get legless….get a free ambulance to sober up then phone in sick next day hungover and get paid haha Seriously man, we have out faults like any country but it’s decent to live….especially here in Scotland

[@louiseerbslisbjerg7854]

I am incredibly thankfulm to be Danish ecerytime I hear these facts. The first 14 weeks are esr-msrked for the mother (bonding, breastfeeding snd recovery). The rest is planned by the family and can be shared. I was looking for a job and my husband had leave for 4 months, that we ended up spending together because it took a while to find a job... It benefits EVERYONE!

[@raye402]

Wow! $ Profit comes before all else - so glad I’m British 🇬🇧👍

[@margaretnicol3423]

Yes but don't forget that it wasn't always that way. The British fought for their rights.

[@raye402]

@@margaretnicol3423 Perhaps it’s time for the American people to do the same To become a more balanced society & really be the land of opportunity for all 🇺🇸

[@blenderpanzi]

Austrian here: We get 25 vacation days and then there are also 13 holidays. *However* if a holiday happens to fall on the weekend we basically loose that day. Every year a few holidays fall on the weekend. But yes, we have it pretty good with vacation+holidays. Oh and there is up to almost 2 years (or was it 1.5 years?) of maternity leave, though the money that you get is only enough for one year. And there is non-optional leave of I think its 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the date of giving birth (8 weeks after if it's a c-section). You get whatever you made in your job before in that time payed by the state, IIRC. There's also paternity leave, but don't remember the details on that.

[@matthew.williams8783]

People with no jobs make fun of mcD workers. But atleast they get up off their rear ends and work for a living.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Those people also have no idea of all the different skill sets that go into making McD restaurants successful. The logistics alone could get you a better paid job in another company.

[@mlo3784]

"People with no jobs make fun of mcD workers" = myth

[@matthew.williams8783]

@@mlo3784 ive heard some. So not really a myth

[@mlo3784]

​@@matthew.williams8783 OK, you have heard some, so it must be true! #anecdotalevidence But then again you conveniently avoid looking at and be critical of the many many many in the 'higher social classes' who constantly criticize people in these professions, the companies that shit on them and that you yourself as a taxpayer pay the bill. "‘A banker, a worker, and an immigrant are sitting at a table with 20 cookies. ‘The banker takes 19 cookies and warns the worker: “Watch out, the immigrant is going to take your cookie away.” Best capitalist scam ever: Making the lower classes fight and point fingers at each other!

[@amethystlarktree5962]

@@mlo3784 Someone who understands what they're doing to us all 👏🏻

[@JarekBaldrian]

These facts are actually prety fucking scary for me as a european and i feel very sorry for people in US who are being treated like this. Here in czech republic and iam actually prety fucking sure every european country, even the last homeless person has a guaranteed healtcare no matter what. Same for the parental leave, 26-37 weeks paid, starting 8 to 6 weeks prior to the actual birth for the mother (if she choses so), the rest doesnt matter if mother or father and they can even switch in the middle. The employer is actually obligated by law to allow the mother parental leave up to 3 years if she choses so (up to 37 weeks paid, rest unpaid) and after the basic parental leave parents are granted parental wage from the state itself. In the duration of the parental leave the employer is forbidden to fire you or alter your employment conditions in any way. There are realy high sanctions if employer actually screws up your employee rights, whether by mistake or intentionaly doesnt matter and nobody cares. From the looks of it most american companies would insta bankrupt from paing all the penalties. Even non US tasted it. I recall recent problems of DHL and Amazon paing milions of eur in penalties for threating their employees like shit, but that "shit" would be apparently paradise for normal US employees, in europe it simply wasnt enough.

[@DB-stuff]

Its heartbreaking how Americans treat each other, worse still is the acceptance of it from the majority. It seems all you need to do is use some trigger words like " socialism " or " communism" Forget using words, measure by deeds.

[@drunken_masasura13]

Sad part is even at 15$ an hour you will struggle to make ends meet considering a lot of places for a one bedroom is almost now at 750-800 not including utilities so there goes about 60-70% of your monthly income on 15 an hour living by yourself