Taxes are generally deducted directly from the salary (PAYE) - people rarely have to 'pay'.
That is like saying "The slaves didn't have to pay a thing. Their housing and food was provided for them" Money you never see is still stolen from you.
It is true that the slaves didn't have to pay anything. However, they were not receiving any payment for their work which is wrong.
You are still getting money for your work. For employees it is equivalent to earning a lower salary. For employers it is equivalent to paying a higher salary.