[Bluebird Singing]

Have you ever wondered how these “benefit” packages came to be in the first place?

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1689.html

The Emergency Stabilization Act was passed in October 1942, which placed wages and agricultural prices under control. There were immediate wage restrictions, and in order to attract labor, the employers offered a range of such fringe benefits as pensions, medical insurance, paid holidays, and vacations. Because the foregoing were not paid out in cash, they did not violate the wage ceiling. Controlling output proved easier than controlling wages.

[tobyhill]

Benefit packages have helped hire and keep quality employees. To eliminate benefits now will not increase wages for employees because now companies will have to pay a fine to eliminate or not offer benefits.