[guitarbill]

I agree. Don't think it's because it's a "more unionized and segmented job market" though - no techie I know is in a union. I think it's a different attitude - most places don't want guys working 80 hours/week and burning out (actually illegal in some countries), just somebody who'll come in and deliver with a team. So a x10 dev, why would you pay for that? Hence, saner salaries (maybe, this is just a theory).

Coming back to negotiation room, often, basic benefits are already included (e.g. healthcare, although this seems to be true in the US, too). But 35 hour weeks, more holiday, longer lunch break to go to the gym, working from home twice a week, these are all things I've negotiated.