They submitted a total cost of employee as part of their employment request to HR. Their bog standard expenditure for an employee sitting right next to me was 50k/yr higher than I was making (my 1099 rate was the official standard for the position and not negotiated). $15/hr less (given unofficial hour cap), but with good insurance (group rates are also lower for the same insurance compared to individual), bonuses, vacation, 401k, etc.
Most companies simply refuse to pay out the same for a contractor as they would for an employee.
A large programmer union could do wonders for the industry.