Excerpt: Simpson Paper Company closed its mill for economic reasons. Early retirees, who retired at ages over 55 and under 65, sued in Federal Court. They sought continued healthcare benefits that were made available through a collective bargaining agreement in force at time of their retirement. The collective bargaining agreement provided that the early retirees' healthcare insurance would continue until the earliest of eligibility for medicare, attainment of age 65 or death. During the period, the cost was to be paid on the same basis as active employees. Finally, Simpson reserved the right to alter, amend, delete, cancel or otherwise change the benefits at any time, subject to negotiation with the union.  MORE >>