The United Mine Workers and Patriot Coal have been battling over heath care agreement and retiree benefits in the Patriot Coal bankruptcy case. In an earlier ruling in May, Bankruptcy Judge Kathy Surratt-States allowed Patriot to enforce significant reductions in benefits on workers and retirees. Under the new settlement reached by UMW and Patriot, UMW officials state they were able to improve the terms regarding “wages, health care benefits, paid time off, pension and more.” The settlement will still require approval from the bankruptcy court.

For more details see, “UMW, Patriot Coal reach settlement in bankruptcy case.”