This is another odd byproduct of labor law in the US. The same regulations which protect workers from a lot of abusive employer behavior also have the effect of

This is another odd byproduct of labor law in the US. The same regulations which protect workers from a lot of abusive employer behavior also have the effect of putting a floor on the numbers of hours employers require. So until regulation is reworked to protect workers irregardless of the number of hours worked this behavior will continue. It also has to do with tax incentives. Anyway, I'm totally with you. I'd voluntarily and enthusiastically take a job paying half of what I make if they expected half as much output or hours worked.