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CNH Industrial N.V. v. Reese

Docket No. Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
17-515 Not Argued Feb 20, 2018 n/a Per Curiam OT 2017

Holding: The Supreme Court has long held that collective-bargaining agreements must be interpreted "according to ordinary principles of contract law," as stated in M&G Polymers USA v. Tackett. A contract is not ambiguous unless it is subject to more than one reasonable interpretation, and the inferences made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit under its own precedent, International Union, United Auto, Aerospace, & Agricultural Implement Workers of America v. Yard-Man Inc., cannot generate a reasonable interpretation because they are not "ordinary principles of contract law." The only reasonable interpretation of the 1998 agreement between retirees and their former employer is that the health care benefits expired when the collective-bargaining agreement expired in May 2004.

Judgment: Reversed and remanded in a per curiam opinion on February 20, 2018.

DateProceedings and Orders (key to color coding)
10/03/2017Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due November 6, 2017)
10/23/2017Blanket Consent filed by Petitioners, CNH Industrial N.V., et al.
10/23/2017Order extending time to file response to petition to and including November 20, 2017.
11/06/2017Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Whirlpool Corporation.
11/06/2017Motion for leave to file amici brief filed by Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, et al.
11/06/2017Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Erisa Industry Committee.
11/20/2017Brief of respondents Jack Reese, et al. in opposition filed.
12/01/2017Reply of petitioners CNH Industrial N.V., et al. filed.
12/06/2017DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 1/5/2018.
01/04/2018Rescheduled.
01/08/2018DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 1/12/2018.
01/16/2018DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 1/19/2018.
02/05/2018DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 2/16/2018.
02/20/2018Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Erisa Industry Committee GRANTED.
02/20/2018Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Whirlpool Corporation GRANTED.
02/20/2018Motion for leave to file amici brief filed by Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, et al. GRANTED.
02/20/2018Petition GRANTED. Judgment REVERSED and case REMANDED. Opinion per curiam. (Detached Opinion)
03/26/2018JUDGMENT ISSUED.