I asked that when I was being interviewed. I wasnt aware it was abnormal. My boss didnt make a big deal out of it either. I also asked what benefits the position came with. We negotiated on my pay on the spot, which is where i definitely got a bit uncomfortable.
There is literally no other thing that needs regulation more. It's the entire reason contracts are a thing that exists. If anybody comes to you claiming they'll set your working conditions based on empathy, that's your cue to find a different job and a good union.
You should lead with that question, but not to a potienal manager, instead ask it your politican since in most of the western the answer would be "all the days that you're sick"
The owner of a company I worked for made it through interviews and the entire hiring process several times without telling people their hourly pay. I'd trained new employees who asked me how much they'd be making. When I mentioned it, the owner was like, "They never asked!" WHAT THE FUCK.
For my current job we had a "culture fit" interview where I basically just went out to lunch with my future coworkers. That's when I asked for the real truth about benefits, turnover, bullshit levels, promotions, and raises.