Sunday, March 14, 2010

Retirees win ruling Valley news of the week -- March 7-13 - Catching Up - fresnobee.com

Valley news of the week -- March 7-13- Catching Up- fresnobee.com

Retirees win ruling

What happened: A judge ruled against Fresno Unified School District in a case filed by retired employees. The suit began after the district and its unions agreed in 2005 to start charging retirees up to $70 per month for what were supposed to be free lifetime health benefits.

What it means: Unless officials decide to appeal, the ruling could cost the cash-strapped district at least $4 million, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said.

    What readers said:

    “That’s the bad thing about these generous benefit packages for government employees. They are the devil to get rid of.”

    -- jghall

    “Good for the teachers. These men & women have worked very hard over the years to help shape the future. They should get what they were promised.”

    -- smedina22