[savv]

> The big difference between knowledge workers and everyone else is what individuals and workers as a group will put up with.

There are exceptions, such as in Finland [1]

> Overtime work is allowed in Finland, and represents any work done extra the maximum regular working hours, to a maximum of 138 hours in a 4 months period and a total of 250 hours per a calendar year.

[1] http://www.workinfinland.com/what-are-the-normal-working-hou...

[tuukkah]

Sure, that's what the written rules say, but in reality, people put up with a lot more work. For example, they may not count work done outside the office, or even work done after 6pm in the office.

[savv]

This is true, I suppose the difference here is that workers are offered some level of protection. I have had a Finnish person tell me he couldn't legally take on additional work before.