Boilermakers Pension Lawsuit

BOILERMAKERS RETIREES’ LAWSUIT

At Martin & Bonnett, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of retirees and their families. Martin & Bonnett has been appointed class counsel to represent retirees  in a class action lawsuit against the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Plan and some of its Trustees, alleging that the Plan unlawfully changed the rules for retirement by imposing a new “separation from service” rule for participants who retire before age 65.   

What Is This Lawsuit About?

This lawsuit asserts that the Boilermaker-Blacksmith Pension Trust and its trustees violated the terms of the pension plan, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and their fiduciary duties by imposing a new separation from service rule for early retirement and denying and recouping pension benefits based on that Rule.

A copy of the First Amended and Supplemental Complaint is available [HERE]. The Boilermakers have denied these allegations.

Who Is Included in the Lawsuit?

The lawsuit is a class action. The class includes the following Boilermaker individuals:

All Boilermaker Pension Plan participants (and their surviving spouses and eligible beneficiaries) whose retirement benefits were or will be terminated or whose benefit applications were or will be denied, based on the claim that they had not or would not be retired under the Plan because of their non-Boilermaker Work for an Employer

Current Case Status

UPDATE - September 22, 2025

On August 18, 2025, the Court entered judgment (available HERE) in favor of Plaintiffs and against the Pension Trust and Trustees on most of the Plaintiffs’ claims and ordered Defendants to develop a plan to carry out the Court’s rulings in this case.  The Court also ordered the Boilermakers to pay more than $26 million to the class members and provide other relief.  A formal notice about the judgment was sent to the class members on September 17, 2025. 

 Since then, the Trustees and Pension Trust have appealed the decision to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking that court to overturn the district court’s rulings. They also asked the district court to pause much of the relief while the appeal is pending. The Plaintiffs are fighting that request.

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On April 30, 2025, Judge Toby Crouse of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas granted summary judgment to the Plaintiffs and class on almost all of their claims including the claim that the Pension Trust violated the terms of the Plan and breached their fiduciary duties under ERISA.  The Court also ruled that Defendants enacted amendments without notice in violation of ERISA and violated ERISA’s rules regarding summary plan descriptions and ERISA’s vesting and non-forfeitability rules.  A copy of the decision is attached HERE.  A trial on damages and other relief along with the claims regarding other breaches of Defendants’ fiduciary obligations was held in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas on June 9, 2025. The Trustees and Pension Trust have indicated they intend to appeal these rulings.    . 

Why This Case Matters

The outcome of this lawsuit could have a significant impact on Boilermaker participants and retirees. If successful, it could result in reimbursement of pension benefits for those who were denied benefits and provide relief for retirees whose benefits were terminated or reduced based on the new rule that the Plaintiffs allege was unlawful.

How to Get Involved

If you want to find out if you are included in the class  or have questions about your rights, contact Martin & Bonnett, PLLC::

We will set up a time for you to speak with one of our experienced attorneys or paralegals about your situation. Don’t wait—protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Martin & Bonnett, PLLC – Fighting for Retirees’ Rights

With a proven track record of successfully handling pension and benefits litigation, Martin & Bonnett, PLLC stands as a formidable advocate for retirees. We take on complex cases and hold powerful organizations accountable. If you’re facing pension disputes or unfair treatment, we are ready to fight for you.

For more information on this case and other retirement benefit cases, visit our website or contact us directly.