"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A federal bankruptcy judge in St. Louis ruled Wednesday that Patriot Coal can cut health benefits for retired coal miners and their spouses as part of a plan for the company to emerge from bankruptcy."

"In her ruling, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kathy A. Surratt-States said that Patriot can throw out contracts negotiated with the United Mine Workers of America, and move current 'retiree health care to the UMWA Retiree Healthcare Trust, which shall be structured as a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association.'

The ruling specifically approved Patriot's 'motion to reject collective bargaining agreements and to modify retiree benefits.'"

Paul J. Nyden reports for the Charleston Gazette May 29, 2013. [2]