[raz32dust]

Companies typically don't pay for hours worked but fo the value that is delivered. It's common to see people work a lot more than 40 hrs a week as well without overtime, and this is legal as per most employment contracts.

If you are a freelancer billing hours, then yes, I agree it would not be ethical. But still it's somewhat of a gray area. In theory, you should be able to raise your hourly rate to compensate for the fact that you can get more done in less time. But in practice, you might not get any clients if you advertise a higher than usual hourly rate, at least until you build a reputation.

[nradov]

Most companies pay based on market rate, not on value delivered.

[humanrebar]

Right, otherwise there wouldn't be cost of living adjustments depending on the home address of fully remote workers.

[raz32dust]

Sure, doesn't change the argument much though.