1. The first section of this chapter, “Employee Benefits Programs,” opened with this sentence: “Employee benefits constitute an indirect form of compensation intended to improve the quality of the work lives and the personal lives of employees.” Does this quotation apply to Erin in this scene? If yes, in what way does it apply to her and her life situation?
2. Erin and Ed are unclear about what benefits, except medical and dental, his firm provides. Which benefits discussed in this chapter would a typical small law firm give to its employees? See the earlier section “Discretionary Major Employee Benefits” for some ideas.
3. Erin negotiates a 10 percent pay raise from Ed, suggesting that pay is important to her. Does the scene suggest that benefits are also important to Erin? Why or why not?

The chapter discussed the important role of employee benefits in the employment relationship. Watch this scene from Erin Brockovich and assess the importance of benefits to Erin.
Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts), a single mother of three, needs a job and convinces skeptical attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her. She quickly discovers a potentially large case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) for environmental pollution. Based on a true story, the film has many dramatic and funny moments. Roberts received the 2000 Best Actress Academy Award.