[regularjack]

You're assuming that the differences in wages between US and Europe are solely due to labor laws, which is quite a stretch, in my opinion.

[aix1]

I think it's interesting to compare Switzerland with the neighbouring countries (e.g. France and Germany). I don't know about other companies, but Google Zürich pays much more than Google Paris or Google Berlin/Munich.

I think it's likely that the difference in labour laws is a contributing factor. Switzerland has very little by way of worker protection, instead placing a significant emphasis on unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung).

[mrunkel]

Cost of Living is much higher in Switzerland.

[nostrademons]

Cost of living is usually higher in areas with higher wages, because it means that residents have more money to spend on living.

[aix1]

Right, and Google explicitly doesn't model for cost of living in its comp philosophy.

[waych]

They use per market pricing instead, which roughly works out to the same thing in the long term, while not being subject to short term fluctuations.

[twelve40]

I don't see the "assuming... solely" in their post at all. Seems like they are just pointing out a factor, could be one of many.

[dumpsterdiver]

Where did they make that assumption at all?

How does the parent commenter acknowledging a single factor in a situation lead you to believe that they assume no other contributing factors exist?