DETROIT, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ — In an attempt to take the path of least resistance to cut costs, Wayne County has attempted to reduce the healthcare benefits for its retirees which would have been effective on October 1, 2008. On September 29, 2008, Circuit Court Judge Gershwin Drain granted AFSCME’s request for a temporary restraining order halting the healthcare cost increases to AFSCME’s retirees.
AFSCME argues that it had agreed on healthcare benefits for its employees upon retirement and the County may not unilaterally alter that contractual benefit. AFSCME requested the injunctive relief while it seeks to enforce its contractual rights. The halting of the change to retiree healthcare benefits assures that while the case is pending, AFSCME retirees do not have to decide between their medical treatment and gas, heating their homes, food, or other necessities that are undergoing dramatic price increases.
AFSCME Council 25 Lead Wayne County Negotiator Richard Johnson stated, “This is a victory in a greater struggle to stop employers from cutting costs on the backs of American seniors.” He also mentioned other pending actions to protect retiree benefits for AFSCME retirees and stated that these actions against seniors would be largely unnecessary if there was substantial national healthcare reform.
Bruce A. Miller and Robert D. Fetter of Miller Cohen P.L.C. litigated this case on behalf of AFSCME Council 25.
Miller Cohen P.L.C.
CONTACT: Bruce A. Miller of Miller Cohen P.L.C., +1-313-964-4454
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