Working hours... 11

[willir]

I came across this post on the web.

Europeans suffering more hours on the job

In paticular...

European governments, facing high unemployment and spiralling fiscal crises, effectively told their workers to follow the lead of countries such as Canada, where people work a lot more hours than they did a couple of decades ago — without making any more money, in real terms.

When I read this, I thought of how true -- I am working longer hours, less incentives with modest cost-of-living increases (and I have been told by management I am in the top 10% of the performers so I can only imagine what others endure).

More over, there seems to be a push to cut benefits, changes to OT rules or having to work OT without any further pay, etc.

Although the Dot.com or Tech bubble burst has something to do with the change, I really feel this is business reacting to the outsourcing Pacific rim because of the reduced labour costs, possibly the reduced liability for environmental and HR concerns, etc.

So....
- What are your thoughts? Perspectives from North America, Europe, Asia.
- Have others seen this trend?
- How do the ones being affected adjust? What about the next generation or two?
- Is this the price we pay as the global society adjusts as the Pacific rim continues to become more competitive with reduced costs, improved quality and improved productivity?
- How do you personally cope with the change?

 

[xmsre]

Hmmm, Interesting thread.

It's not the hour's worked per week so much as it is the time spent commuting for me. With a 9 hour commute, I'm basically home weekends only. I know, I could find something closer to work, but then the salary would drop to prevailing for the area in which I live wich is half of what I make now. I could relocate, but to get house similar to the 300K one I own, I'd pay 1.5 - 2 million in the area I work. I guess I'll just keep flying.