Maastricht Treaty revisions needed?

[Jester]

Thus, the argument devolves into one not of how much is taken, but of what it is labeled.

What we need is a big ledger, showing the flow of money in its entirety. You're right, things like payroll deductions, employer matching, etc... are not necessarily included.

For the employer, the issue is the gross amount they pay out (not necessarily the gross amount that appears on the paycheque) and the issue for the employee is the compensation they receive for their employment (not necessarily the net amount they pocket after taxes). And that would have to include every kind of deduction and expenditure, regardless of its source.

-Jester