I broke 100 g's in 09 and I'm only 27 years old.
I currently live and work in Europe, and have spent most of the last 2 years here. They have rules and contracts here, they give 6 weeks vacation, and 2 weeks sick time, and paid medical to all employees, but this comes at a cost of 50% of their income going to German taxes.
You think those job benefits in Europe just appeared out of thin air, without any organized labor action?