Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 84-054
Page 1
October 1, 1985
(Opinion issued in letter form; name and address deleted)
Re: Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 84-054
Pursuant to Article IX of the United Mine Workers of America (“UMWA”) 1950 Benefit Plan
Trust, and under the authority of an exemption granted by the United States Department of
Labor, the Trustees have reviewed the facts and circumstances of this dispute concerning the
level of health benefits coverage provided by the Employer under the terms of the Employer
Benefit Plan.
According to information which you submitted to the Funds, the Employee worked in a
classified position for the Employer from June 3, 1983 to December 19, 1984, at which time his
employment was terminated by the Employer. You have also stated that the Employer
terminated health benefits coverage for the Employee and his eligible dependents effective
October 31, 1984. This dispute arises out of your contention that the Employer has refused
health benefits coverage for services rendered to the Employee’s dependent wife and daughter in
connection with the birth of his daughter on November 8, 1984.
The Employer has failed to respond to repeated correspondence requesting its position in this
dispute; therefore, the Trustees must render their decision based upon the information on file.
On November 2, 1984, the Employer signed a Letter of Agreement signifying its intent to be
bound by the terms of the 1984 National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement, although to date it
has not signed the actual Agreement. In ROD number 84-055, (enclosed herein) the Trustees
have previously decided that such a Letter of Agreement is sufficient to bind the Employer to the
terms and conditions of the 1984 Wage Agreement.
Article I (4) of the Employer Benefit Plan defines an “Employee” as “a person working in a
classified job for the Employer, eligible to receive benefits hereunder.” Article Il A. (1) of the
Plan provides health benefits coverage for any Employee actively at work for the Employer on
the effective date of the Wage Agreement. Under Article Ill D. (1) (E), benefits coverage for an
Employee who “quits or is discharged for any reason”, will be terminated “as of the date last
worked”.
Inasmuch as the Employee satisfies the definition of Employee referred to above, the Trustees
have determined that the Employer is responsible for providing health benefits coverage for the
Employee and his eligible dependents through December 19, 1984, the date of his termination.
Sincerely,
________________________________
Joseph P. Connors, Sr., Chairman
________________________________
Paul R. Dean, Trustee
________________________________
William B. Jordan, Trustee
Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 84-054
Page 2
________________________________
William Miller, Trustee
________________________________
Donald E. Pierce, Jr., Trustee
