What does the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) primarily aim to ensure?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) primarily aims to ensure the payment of promised pension and benefits to employees. This federal law establishes minimum standards for retirement and health benefit plans in private industry, ensuring that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to, as promised by their employers. ERISA sets forth guidelines for how these plans must be managed, including requirements for transparency and accountability, protecting employees against the loss of their promised benefits.

By creating a framework that safeguards the interests of participants in employee benefit plans, ERISA helps ensure that funds will be available for employees when they retire or when they need to access other employee benefits. This is crucial for employees who rely on these benefits for their financial security in retirement and for their overall well-being.

While the other options touch on important aspects of employee rights and benefits, they do not directly capture the primary focus of ERISA, which is centered on the management and protection of pension and benefit plans.