Christmas is a time for traditions and certain corners of the US media have not let down those who celebrate it. The “War on Christmas” headlines have returned this month, unpacked like the baubles, nutcrackers and shelvable elves that had been hidden away in the nation’s lofts since January. The umbrage of a vocal minority infuriated by the ecumenical greeting “happy holidays” can make it seem that the US leads the world in fighting about holidays. But this seasonal twist on the culture wars is missing a bigger point: when it comes to fighting for holidays, or vacations, as most Americans call them, the country is scandalously behind the rest of the world.
The US stands alone among OECD nations in having no minimum statutory amount of annual paid leave. Granted, not all large economies guarantee the five weeks a year off that full-time workers can expect in France. But four weeks is standard in the UK and under the EU’s Working Time Directive; Japan and Canada insist on two weeks or more; and even Mexico requires at least six days, the OECD’s tally shows.
(The Paris-based organisation has itself shown Gallic leadership on this matter, offering staff 30 days plus French public holidays and the last week of each year, when its office closes.)