Archives: Benefits

Sixth Circuit District Courts Dismiss Retiree Benefits Claims

By Greg Mersol on December 21, 2016 Posted in Benefits

Less than two years ago, the United States Supreme Court overruled 32 years of Sixth Circuit authority that had the practical effect of shackling unionized employers to retiree health insurance benefits far beyond the time they had intended. UAW v. Yard-Man, Inc., 716 F.2d 1476 (6th Cir. 1983). By requiring inferences in favor of retirees, … Continue Reading

Ding-Dong, Yard-Man Is Dead! Supreme Court Decision in Tackett a Huge Win for Employers in the Retiree Healthcare Arena

By Gilbert Brosky on January 28, 2015 Posted in Benefits

On Monday, a unanimous United States Supreme Court issued its decision in M & G Polymers USA, LLC v. Tackett, Supreme Court Case No. 13-101, vacating and remanding the Sixth Circuit’s holding that a group of retirees was entitled to lifetime healthcare benefits per the terms of various collective bargaining agreements. In doing so, the … Continue Reading

First Circuit Rejects Equitable Tolling In Class Action Arising Out Of Plant Closing

By Greg Mersol on June 17, 2014 Posted in Benefits

A luggage plant in France closes in 2007, so a class action suit for French post-termination benefits is brought against a former investor in Massachusetts in late 2011? Former Justice Souter joins the majority in the First Circuit? It’s a long story, but we’ll keep it short and there are some important class action issues … Continue Reading