Spring Branch Mining Co. v. United Mine Workers of America 1950 Pension Trust & 1950 Pension Plan

This appeal presents the issues of whether the appellant coal companies (Companies) are “employers” within the meaning of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (MPPAA), 29 U.S.C. § 1381, et seq. (amending ERISA, 29 U.S.C. § 1001, et seq.), and therefore subject to the assessment of withdrawal liability for their proportionate share of unfunded vested employee benefits respecting the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1950 Pension Plan (1950 Plan), and if so, whether the relevant provisions are constitutional as so interpreted. The 1950 Plan’s trustees assessed such…