Rightfully so. My company provides a whole list of “benefits” nobody ever uses. I much prefer cash.

To be fair, when benefits meet your goals, it could be very good deal. For example 401k matching is the same cash in your pocket, but without tax. Good health care plan, especially when you have family is worth much more than cash and also doesn't add to tax base. In some states you pay more than half off what you make in taxes, so making something a benefit is a convenient way of legally saving on said tax

I sincerely doubt anyone whose primary income is working as a retail employee is getting taxed anywhere near a 50% marginal tax rate, even if you include city/county/state taxes.

410k and health care are fine. I am talking about stuff like legal advice or health hotline. They are promoted as benefit but usually useless once you try to use them.