[jyl]

In the US we have extraordinary labor flexibility. Or maybe it should be called employer flexibility. US companies can lay off one employee or 1000 employees at the drop of a hat and at very little cost, with minimal legal restrictions and usually no union restrictions, and no cost to reputation. Employees can quit on a moment's notice and switch jobs frequently, also at little cost to reputation or otherwise, and

Economists and conservatives usually consider this a good thing. Managements certainly do. And, in good economic times, I think many employees like it too - in bad economic times, opinions change.

Most of Europe is different, as is Japan. China, India, etc are more like us.