Lawsuit could affect thousands of current, former Atrium employees

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A lawsuit against Charlotte's largest employer could involve thousands of local workers

The suit claims Atrium Health incorrectly acted as a government agency and underfunded pensions by $379 million.

[Atrium Health, NC attorney general settle antitrust lawsuit over health care costs]

“If you're basing your retirement, your life, based upon what you think you're going to get for a retirement check and then you retire and all of a sudden you're getting half of it, it can be pretty devastating,” said Karen L. Handorf, an attorney for the plaintiffs.

The suit also claims atrium failed to operate the 401(k) plan in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and that Atrium employees paid more for health care plan co-pays and deductibles than they could have.

Atrium has 65,000 employees.

The suit seeks class-action status, which would open it up to all of them, as well as former employees.

A spokesperson for the health care system said Atrium Health has not yet been officially served with the complaint but that when they are, officials will review it and file a response with the court.

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