Californian Reacts | British vs American Workers' Rights

Massive differences between workers' rights between the British and Americans.

Sick Leave, Holiday Pay, Unlimited Paid Time Off, Bereavement Leave

Sit back and enjoy! I'd like to hear your stories on these topics!

[californianreacts]

How much time do/did you get off per year?

Holiday! Let's quickly compare - in the UK, you are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid annual leave (28 days for someone working five days a week), whereas the average American worker gets 11 days of paid vacation per year. In the private sector, the average number of paid vacation days after five years of service increases to 15 days.

I mention my experience a lot, but I received 10 days off for my first year of work, and I felt happy about it comparing those who I knew working with less at times. After my first year of work I received 15 days per year which was incredible (being 11 days as an average for paid time off in an entire year).

Please let me know your experiences!

[harlequinems]

Slavery never truly ended in America, it just changed tactics 😅

[angiesosuk]

🇬🇧My example, my mum went into a coma and I was asked to leave the office that day, the next day I returned and was taken to a coffee shop, offered food and drink and told not to come back. I was allowed back 5 weeks later because I lost her and had to use the free bereavement counselling services provided by my employer as well as so much care. I lost so much, got paid in full and was so grateful for their care. UK any time.

[grahvis]

I think one problem in the US is that a large percentage of the population have no idea how workers in other countries are treated, and so there is no resentment and pressure put on employers and government to do anything about it. Also, the constant drip feed of propaganda claiming anything left wing amounts to dangerous communism has created an easily controllable work force.

[geoffmelvin]

It's a trade off though isn't it? In Europe we have the right to healthcare and decent working conditions whereas in the US you have the right to own guns.... 🙄

[Binarybook_chill]

All the "benefits" Europeans have are things that we have fought for, often at a great cost, not saying that the average American not should have the same benefits, but you have to stand up and fight for your rights, meaning voting every time, be active in workers rights, things don´t just drop into your lap, you have to do an effort to make it happen.

[robertlonsdale]

Socialism is not a dirty word, it's about thinking about your fellow man. Do unto

[tmac]

On bereavement leave, I'm retired now and have never worked for a company that put any pressure or time constraints on such leave. It's always been "Come back when you feel you are able". Much the same following an illness. The vast majority of employers take the "reasonable amount of time" rule seriously. 🇬🇧

[DougBrown-hn]

You asked for our thoughts - here are mine:
What an inhumane, and frankly primitive environment in which to live, work and bring up a family. The much lauded American concept of "freedom", when applied in the world of largely unregulated business employment policies and practices, is a freedom I can do without.
In a zealously capitalist society, the employee quite obviously needs mandated protection from unscrupulous employers. With no choice but to work, pay the bills and put food on table, employees are entirely at the mercy of employers, who are bent at all costs, on short-term profit.
I've never quite understood how the American people have allowed this situation to occur without much complaint - perhaps it's some remaining trace of that "pioneering spirit" - some sort of pride in independence against the odds.
The USA now is so far behind the curve of G7/modern countries (in many areas other than employment law), I can't imagine what the country will look like in 30 years - or how the rest of the World will view it.

[krissyg]

Americans: we don’t want to pay more tax.
Also Americans: why don’t we get sick pay/maternity pay etc.

[frankdoyle]

I was working for a company. I had been there 2 months when my mother who lived 100 miles away was rushed into hospital. She was dying. I spoke to HR and they said just go and do what you have to do. I said take it off my holidays. They said no. I rang them after a couple of days and said my mother has died and I have to stay and organize the funeral. They just said we are so sorry, do what you have to do and come back to us when you can. The company then sent flowers. I came back 2 weeks later. It did not cost me any holidays or any loss in pay. That was in 1994

[pipercharms]

Honestly I was shocked when I heard how little holidays US get off.

[MrVillamike]

In the EU it is illegal for an employer to use employees holidays as sick days.
Also, I was sick while on my holidays and sent in a docs note which meant I retain my holidays as I was sick.

[RedPhone-mzlv]

First world power, third world workers rights never thought I would feel sorry for Americans but after watching a few of these videos I do

[yurihuffles]

My brother (who I was hugely close to) sadly passed away almost 2 years ago. I ended up being given 2 weeks "to start" off work, and had to have a phone meeting with my manger for him to be willing to let me return. Even then, my manager made it fully clear that if I then felt like I had returned too soon, or was feeling emotionally unable to work - then to let him know and he would be happy to give me more time off.

[brianduffin]

Slavery was supposed to be abolished in the USA

[nadeansimmons]

Here in NZ I was told that I was showing signs of stress. Take some time off until you are feeling better. I was off for 5 weeks and was paid in full for all 5 weeks.

[grahamstubbs]

When we set-up our UK company branch in the US, we had UK citizens there.
You can't treat employees differently, so the US employees were stunned at the annual leave and the benefits.

[ticketyboo]

I’m a civil Servant in the UK I get 39 paid days leave including Public holidays. If I was off sick covered by a doctors line I would get 6 months full pay then 6 months half pay.

[spyro]

all first world countries, beside USA, has paid time off, starting at 4 weeks... here in Denmark, it's 5 by law, but many get 6, and some even get 7...