Opinion ID: 700659
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Murphy's claim under the CBA.

Text: 15 Keystone argues that Murphy's benefits did not vest under the CBA because it clearly indicates that the benefits provided by the Plan will remain in effect only for the duration of the CBA. As Keystone notes, the changes it announced in February 1993 did not take effect until after May 3, 1993, when the CBA expired. Thus, the changes did not violate the CBA. In response, Murphy argues that the CBA is ambiguous. Here, he relies on the language in Article XXIII of the CBA which states that The language of [the Plan] is separate from and not a part of this agreement, and coverage language in the Plan stating that: 16 When a Retiree who retired after May 1, 1972, with thirty (30) years or more of accumulated service dies, his spouse shall be eligible to receive continued Basic and Major Medical Benefits (for which the spouse shall be eligible as though the Retiree had survived) at no cost. Coverage shall cease when the spouse remarries. 17 When a Retiree who retired after August 1, 1975, with twenty (20) years or more of accumulated service dies, his spouse shall be eligible to receive continued Basic and Major Medical Benefits (for which the spouse shall be eligible as though the Retiree had survived) at no cost. Coverage shall cease when the spouse remarries. 18 According to Murphy, Keystone's promise in the CBA that the Plan will remain in effect during the term of the CBA and the Plan's coverage language are best read together as follows: the duration of benefits is for life and thereafter for the spouse and dependents unless the Plan is terminated or amended by agreement (or death). Of course, Murphy's claim under the CBA really reduces to his claim under the Plan, but totally ignores the Plan's termination language. 19 Like the district court we find that the CBA unambiguously indicates that Murphy's benefits did not vest under the CBA. In Article XXIII Keystone promises that it will not terminate or amend the Plan while the CBA remains in effect. Thus, Murphy's benefits under the Plan are guaranteed by the CBA only for its duration; and it is equally clear that Keystone can terminate or amend the Plan after the expiration of the CBA, at least so far as the CBA is concerned. See Ryan, 877 F.2d at 603-04. Article XXIII, wherein Keystone promises not to terminate or amend the Plan during the term of the CBA, would be rendered meaningless or superfluous if the CBA is read any other way; this court cannot so alter that provision. See Preze v. Board of Trustees, 5 F.3d at 274. 20