Nbtt--sorry. The reason public employees get benefits rather than salary in basic choices--long term benefits rather than short term salary. It's a choice. Of course the 'private sector' has gotten screwed, by the choices made by them and by elected politicians, to cut benefits, reduce safety, increase abuse of overtime because we have abondoned protections such as collective bargaining and unions. And now the so called 'freedom' of the gig economy will continue the slide. I would suggest that workers consider banding together but of course this could be undercut by folks who will work for less. Social benefit could also be provided for all through universal healthcare...or child care. But you have to wrap your brain around the idea that then companies need to pay for this in taxes. But cars would be cheaper if we all supported this....so that's good, right?