For example this: > The way forward is to get rid of the concept of 'benefits' packages and just let people work for a gross pay and let themselves choose their own benefits from that.
is the quickest way to lose all your benefits and gain nothing... why does he think corporations are really nice caring people who will give you a little extra pay for losing the mandated benefits, and not simply cut the benefits and keep the pay the same? Anything not mandated is optional, and if it's optional the employer doesn't have to pay it and more than likely won't.
From another comment in here, I think this is the result of his flexibility:
Most "associates" (your average workers) get 30 hours/week and zero benefits, except when mandated otherwise by law.