Bankruptcy Judge Sean H. Lane ruled that former American Airlines parent AMR Corp. doesn't have the unilateral right to terminate benefits to about 46,930 retirees, Dow Jones Daily Bankruptcy Review reported today. Judge Lane on Thursday denied AMR's request, brought during its chapter 11 case, for a summary judgment that it could unilaterally modify the health and welfare benefits it offered its retirees because its benefit programs "lack language categorically reserving" its right to do so. AMR had sought to shift the cost of the benefits to its retirees, who include union and nonunion members.
