> This is a harmful myth that perpetuates our depressed wages
In some European countries, conditions are more favorable to workers, and this can be reflected in the wages as well. For instance, an employee in France will enjoy 35 weeks of holiday per year (not including public holidays), and also stronger protections regarding layoffs. This is somewhat expected that wages are also lower.
French side do weeks not days like Americans. That is why French can't compete with the rest of EU. If you think Americam boomers bad, ENTIRE France is a glorified boomers on steroid. To be fair their income tax rate is 70%. So work hard? Reagan once forgo the other half of the year of work once he max his marginal tax rate.
You need to add "cotisations sociales" (not tax per se, social security and such), which is I believe a 22% flat tax. So that would make 67% for the last bracket. But there are other differences. For instance, if you're married or/and have kids, you can have important benefits. Also RSUs are taxed differently.
Overall, tax is high in France, but not that different from other countries. Even in the US, certain places like NYC are heavily taxed. And you also need to see what tax gives you. I don't mind to pay tax if that gives me (and everybody else living here) access to healthcare, security, education or a decent future pension. Now whether France still provide these things is up to debate.
but they are not just somewhat lower, they are massively lower. Is 1-2 extra week really worth $50-100k? Also many (most?) tech companies offer more than 2 weeks in the US
In some European countries, conditions are more favorable to workers, and this can be reflected in the wages as well. For instance, an employee in France will enjoy 35 weeks of holiday per year (not including public holidays), and also stronger protections regarding layoffs. This is somewhat expected that wages are also lower.
EDIT: 35 days, not weeks.