Drouillard v. Stroh Brewery Co.

At issue in this appeal is the coordination of worker’s compensation and early pension benefits pursuant to MCL 418.354; MSA 17.237(354). In particular, plaintiffs contend that they were compelled to accept early payment of their retirement benefits and are therefore exempt from coordination of these benefits under MCL 418.354(l)(d); MSA 17.237(354)(l)(d). We hold that plaintiffs’ interpretation of this statutory provision is erroneous and that MCL 418.354(l)(d); MSA 17.237(354)(l)(d) does not preclude coordination where an employee is required to accept early pension benefits. We therefore…