Opinion ID: 1203285
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: LGP's Demise and Plaintiffs' Retirements

Text: After LGP took over Philips Display's operations, the CRT market collapsed and LGP announced that it would be closing the Ottawa facility. [6] In preparation for this event, LGP and the IBEW created a document entitled Implementation of Contract LanguagePer Ottawa LG Philips Plant Closing (the Implementation Agreement) for distribution to relevant union employees and human resources personnel. [7] ( See J.A. at 360-62.) LGP and union representatives signed the Implementation Agreement, which sought to clarify any ambiguities regarding the date on which employees would need to retire in order to continue to receive pension and healthcare benefits in their retirement. Under this agreement, employees retiring after the expiration of the CBA, but before the exhaustion of COBRA coverage, were determined to be eligible to receive healthcare coverage under the plans. The Ottawa plant closed on December 31, 2002. All plaintiffs submitted retirement applications on or after July 1, 2001 and, at the time of retirement, elected to receive retiree healthcare benefits under one of the plans described above. The retirees submitted these applications on forms with PENAC headers. ( See J.A. 348-59; 542-604.) Some of the applications also contained an acknowledgment that the retiree understood that the company necessarily reserves the right to end or amend retiree medical coverage for me or my dependants at any time. ( See, e.g., id. at 356; 359; 542-46, 549, 551-58).) On May 10, 2006, LGP sent plaintiffs and class members letters informing them that LGP would be terminating retiree medical plans. Five days later, LGP declared bankruptcy. On May 31, 2006, the company terminated retirees' health benefits.