[everforward]

The US is very different. For salaried workers (the vast majority of good jobs), there isnt generally a stipulation of hours.

You get $X/year whether the company gives you so little work you're only working 20 hours a week, or if they give you so much that you're working 60 hours a week. Neither is forbidden by typical contracts.

Some salaried workers are supposed to be paid overtime if they work over 40 hours, but I don't think I've ever heard of it actually happening. Most salaried employees don't even have timecards.

Theres an underlying argument about whether it's okay for employees to try to only work 20 hours a week if it's okay for businesses to try to get them to work 60. Basically that we should either have something like Germany does that limits both sides, or both sides should be free to try to screw the other. A lot of people find it acceptable for companies to try to overwork people, but not acceptable for employees to slouch off.