[don-o]

An employer should have no obligation to pay compensation to people who aren't employees and do not contribute in any way to the employer's business activities.

Granted. BUT, it has been a benefit and part of the employee's overall compensation. The company gains by attracting employees who value that. At one time, it was economically feasible to make that decision. Now, not so much.

[funfan]

Excatly. That is why they call them “Benefits”