How much continuous overtime should an employee be allowed?

[Hyperion]

How much continuous overtime should an employer be allowed to get away with before the government intervenes? In some positions the workload can be ridiculous due to relatively relaxed labor restrictions in the United States. For example, I know quite a few actuaries (both seasoned and new) who are constantly on-call. They have to answer phone calls made on Saturday mornings or risk termination. One of my closest friends probably puts in close to 60 hours a week for $55,000/year. This works out to only $16.00/hour, little more than what a waiter makes after tips.

We already work at an unnatural pace compared to our distant ancestors. Archaeological studies indicate that our ancestors enjoyed a relatively leisurely lifestyle.* It is not "healthy" for most people to put in so many hours a day. I suspect that a lot of the fatigue, depression, and mental disorders experienced in Western society results from being overworked.

Surely there should be some limit between a 'Puritan' work ethic and grinding down as a cog? Is it acceptable to work 60-80 hours a week at the expense of all else? It's the market, all else be damned?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_affluent_society

[Bill_in_Bethlehem]

i think they should be allowed as much as they want, if the employer will offer it

assuming its optional?

[Davethulhu]

[Hyperion]

Are all market forces optional?

[Bill_in_Bethlehem]

[Winchester]

[Hyperion]

For example, the average work week in the US has increased in the last few decades. Is this a collective (or average) decision made by employees? Do most people want to work an additional 4-5 hours a week compared to their parents, or is this a market decision made outside of their control?

[Bill_in_Bethlehem]

[Hyperion]

[Davethulhu]