Opinion ID: 680010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Collective Bargaining History.

Text: 7 The express terms of an ERISA plan determine the benefits it confers. But the plans at issue were appendices to collective bargaining agreements, and it is usually unwise to construe collective bargaining agreements without regard to their bargaining history. Therefore, before examining the relevant Master Agreement provisions, we will review the negotiating history of those Agreements as it relates to retiree health benefits. 8 Prior to 1976, Morrell and the Union bargained the issue of health care benefits for retired employees and expressly included such benefits in the Master Agreements. For example, Appendix F to the 1973 Master Agreement provided: 9 8.12 Retirement: All retirees currently furnished ... coverage and all Employees who retire during the term of the Master Agreement shall be furnished hospital, medical and surgical insurance at Company expense through a plan as provided by the Company. 10