Fries v. United Mine Workers of America

Defendant, the International Union, United Mine Workers of America (U.M.W.A.), appeals from a judgment of the Circuit Court of Macoupin County ordering it to pay plaintiff, Frank W. Fries, a pension of $500 per month until plaintiff’s death plus $35,000 in retroactive pension benefits. Defendant challenges the findings of the trial court (1) that there was an oral contract by which the International Union was obligated to pay plaintiff a"pension of $500 per month from the.date of his retirement until his death, and (2) that the doctrine of promissory estoppel was also applicable.

In January,…