To live and die in the U.S.

[Chris Hall]

As a citizen of the U.S. I worry constantly about job loss, medical insurance and retirement (old age income). Do European nations really have it better as regards social services and general worker social security?

[bluenotes]

Yes, they do. Although the UK is not much of a role model. In Austria, for instance, except for very tiny firms, workers must elect representatives. Practically everyone is by law (compulsory) member of a representative institution.

[bluenotes]

Continuing the above answer:
Employers are organized as well. Those organizations and representatives (plus the Union) debate salary rises and basic employment treaties, so your job is quite safe, as long as you work and the economy runs. Employers and employees pay about a quarter of the income for social security. This includes continued (but reduced) payment if you loose your job, practically free complete health care for you and your family, payments in case of an accident at work (you don't have to sue the employer!) and after retirement pensions of about 70% of your average salary during the best 15 years (there is a limit, but it applies to your payings as well). You retire at the age of 65 (men) or 60 (women). In case you worked almost all of your life, you can retire earlier (61.5 M, 56.5 W). After your death your wife and (minor) children recieve reduced pensions.

The system is expensive, but efficient. The Union counts the times when someone is on strike in seconds - per year!