New York, N.Y. - A bankruptcy judge postponed a decision on former Kodak workers' benefits.
Last week former employees asked a judge to appoint a retiree committee to protect their benefits.
At a hearing in federal bankruptcy court, a judge ruled that first a decision must be made if this retiree committee should be formed.
Former employees say a retiree committee is necessary to protect their benefits.
"It's a real tough deal," said former Kodak worker Phil Harmden. "I know they gotta do something. They can't keep going like this. The health insurance thing I really feel sorry for some of us, not so much me, but some of the Kodak retirees that are going to get hurt on this."
They say altering retiree benefits would be premature given that Kodak plans to submit a reorganization plan next year.
What's at stake:
Health benefits could be cut for those 65 and older and retired on or after October first 1991.
Benefits could also be cut for survivors and dependents who qualify for Medicare.
A total of 16,000 retirees would be impacted.
The changes would go into effect May 1.
Kodak says this move would save $94 million over the next five years.
