We have labor laws too here (europe), and they allow weekly work times of more than 40 hours, more than 8 hours per day.

> If you're incapable of negotiating a good rate and contract, that's on you.

Its either them. Or it could be that the job market isnt particularely well looking, or economy beeing on a down swing.

I'm not sure how you reconcile appreciating labor laws with belittling a fellow worker less skilled (or less able due to their circumstances) at negotiating with their employers.

I am in the UK and I aim for ore than that as utilization rate