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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 1990)
Page 6 The Battalion Tuesday, December 4,199t Supreme Court ruling in state pension case protects businesses from similar lawsuits WASHINGTON (AP) — The Su preme Court, ruling in a Texas case, Monday shielded businesses from some big-money lawsuits filed by employees who claim they were fired so their employers would not have to pay pension benefits. Tne decision is a victory for the Ingersoll-Rand Co., which was sued by Perry McClendon after the com pany fired him in 1982. The court ruled unanimously that fired employees may not sue in state courts over such allegations. The state suits are pre-empted by a fed eral law protecting pensions, the court said. The Employee Retirement In come Security Act of 1974 is aimed at assuring workers their retirement pay. But state lawsuits had loomed potentially more lucrative because fired employees could win punitive damages that greatly exceed lost pay. The Texas Supreme Court had ruled that McClendon’s lawsuit was not precluded by ERISA, the federal law, but Monday’s decision reversed the state court ruling. Writing for the court, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said Congress clearly intended to preclude state lawsuits over firings motivated by ef forts to avoid paying pension bene fits. “The goal was to minimize the ad ministrative and financial burden of complying with conflicting directives among states or between states and the federal government,” O’Connor said. McClendon had been transferred by Ingersoll-Rand from San Antonio to Dallas in 1979 to develop a sales market for construction equipment there. He was fired four months be fore his 10th anniversary with the company. A worker with 10 years experi ence is entitled to have his pension vested, which meant Ingersoll-Rand would have to contribute to McClen don’s retirement benefits. McClendon sued in Texas state courts, accusing his former em ployer of firing him to avoid paying ension benefits. The company said e was fired to reduce the workforce and to save money. McClendon did not sue for lost pension benefits. In fact, shortly af ter he sued, the company agreed to vest his pension. Instead, McClendon’s suit sought a potentially big-money judgment for lost wages, mental anguish and punitive damages. The Battalion Classified Ads Phone: 845-0569 / Office: English Annex Help Wanted For Rent WE LL ERASE YOUR COLLEGE LOAN. If you’re stuck with a student loan that’s not in default, the Army might pay it off. If you qualify, we’ll reduce your debt by Va for each year you serve as a soldier, so after just 3 years you’ll have a clean slate. You’ll also have training in a choice of skills and enough self-assurance to last you the rest of your life. Get all the details from your Army Recruiter. College Station Recruiting Station Post Oak Mall, 1500 Harvey Road College Station, Texas 77840-3751 (409)764-0418 ARMY. BEAU YOU CAN BE. IF YOU COULD USE *1^000+ FOR COLLEGE TALK TO US FIRST. The Army Reserve Alternate Training Program can help you earn a nice chunk of college money for a small amount of your time. Here’s how it works. You take Basic Training one summer. Then you complete skill training at an Army school during the next summer. You’ll earn over $1,250 for Basic and even more for skill training. Then you’ll train with your Army Reserve unit near your college, usually one weekend a month plus two weeks a year. During a standard enlistment, you’ll earn over $13,000. Now add on $5,040 if you qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill. That adds up to more than $18,000. Plus you can even get money to repay college loans. Think about it. Then think about us. Then call: College Station Recruiting Station Post Oak Mall, 1500 Harvey Road College Station, Texas 77840-3751 (409) 764-0418 BE ALL YOU CAN BE. ARMY RESERVE Help Wanted Part-time Optometric Assistant A&M student only. 8:45 am to 1:00 pm M-F. No experience necessary, typing required. 696-3754 for interview. Full-time computer operator VAX/VMS, MS-DOS helpful. Call Gail, 260-9665. OVERSEAS JOBS. $900-2000 mo. Summer, yr. round, all countries, all fields. Free info. Write IJC, PO Box 52- TX04, Corona Del Mar CA 92625. ENGINEERING AIDE I I - Supports electric or municipal engineering & electrical line construction. Requires HS/ GED diploma, proficiency in the AM/FM-GIS system S relevant drafting techniques. Salary: $7.71 hr. EEO/AA. Contact: CITY OF BRYAN EMPLOYMENT OFFICE, (409) 361- 3874. Waitress, Waiter 21 or older, certified or willing to be certified; 2005 South College Ptarmigan Club, 822-2263. Ask for Lavenda between 7 p.m.-12 p.m. SECRETARY WANTED to organize & operate office for individually-owned business. Duties require: scheduling appointments, file organization & computerized data management (Lotus & Word Perfect). Willingness to work unsupervised, 25-30 hours/week. Send resume to: 3703 Holly, Bryan. TX 77802. INTELLIGENCE JOBS. All branches. U.S. Customs, PEA, etc. Now hiring. Call 1 -805-687-6000, Ext. K-9531. Healthy males wanted as semen donors. Help infertile couples. Confidentiality ensured. Ethnic diversity desirable. Ages 18-35, excellent compensation. Contact Fairfax Cryobank, 1121 Briarcrest Suite 101,776-4453. HOME TYPIST, PC USERS NEEDED. $35,000 poten tial. Details: 1-805-687-6000. Ext. B-9531. I • EXTRA INCOME * Earn $200-$500 weekly mailing greeting cards S novelty gift Hems. For more information send a stamped addressed envelope to: Greeting Cards, Inc., P.O. Box 2297, Miami, FL 33261 Hiring line cooks and prep cooks. Apply In person. 3-C Barbeque, 1727 South Texas. Services Professional typing, word proc essing, resume writing and editing services are available at Notes-n-Quotes call 846-2255 Professional Word Processing Laser printing for Resumes, Reports, Letters and Envelopes. Typist available 7 days a week ON THE DOUBLE 113 COLLEG E MAI N 846-3755 FLY FOR LESS AS A COURIERI Major Airline, Houston to: London $325 roundtrip, Tokyo $375 plus first-time registration tee $50 coming soon Mexico City. Call NOW VOYAGER (713)684-6051, (212)431-1616- Dr. Lynn Tutoring: Biology, Zoology, Botany, Genetics, Test Preparation. 846-2672,822-9146. CAD drafting, electrical, mechanical, structural, electro mechanical, mechanical design. Call Larry McKinley/ CADcom, 690-0509. BURNOUT, STRESS, AND TEST ANXIETY controlled using hypnosis and visualization. Don Arnold, '84, 105 Ottawa St., San Mateo, CA 94401, TYPING. STUDENTS WELCOME. SUPERB SERVICE. SPELL CHECK. LASER PRINTER. 764-2931. WORD PROCESSING: PROFESSIONAL. PRECISE, SPEEDY- LASER PRINTER QUALITY. LISA 696-0958. WORD PROCESS ING.Reoumes, Graphics, from $1.35/ page. LASER PRINTER, PERFECT PRINT. 822-1430. Roommate Wanted Spring 2 floor, 2 bed apartment dose to campus, shuttle. $195/mo., 693-5808 Christoph, Frank. Roommate wanted for spring semester. 2bd duplex 5 minutes from campus, shuttle route. Move in 12/1/90; $100 deposit, $182.50 mo.., 1/2 utilities. 823-2124. Roommate needed tor spring 91. Prefer mature ENGR. Major. Duplex, fenced yard, (pets ok). On bus route (Harvey Rd.) Howard 693-6776, $217.50/mo. For Rent COTTON VILLAGE APTS Ltd. Snook, TX Ibdrm $200 2 Bdrm $248 Rental Assistance Available Call 846-8878 or 774-0773 after 5 p.m. Equal Opportunity Housing/Handicapped Acoessble Large one bedroom and two bedroom, couple blocks from campus. Pool, tennis court and shuttle-laundry. 693- 6767. 2b/1/1,5ba duplexes upgrades indude: new carpet, tile, fenced yard, fireplace, washer and dryer connections. Wyndham Management, 846-4384. A 2b/1/1.56a luxury 4-plexes dose to campus, shuttle bus, $350 . 693-0551,764-8051. 4-plexes available for spring, walk to campus, near shuttle. Call Lajuan, 846-4242, ext. 7130. Efficiency apartments next to Thomas Park $215 per month. Bills paid. 1 bd/lb, efficiency kitchen. Male preferred. 693-4485 after 5 p.m. Two/bdrm. apt. starting 2nd semesfer. Great location, terrific rate, on bus route. Call TODAY, don't delay 764- 3024. For Lease 2/1 studio oondo. Sublease. Ceiling fans, W/D loft bedroom $425'mo. 846-8632. One bedroom apartment to sublease, available Jan.1, 600 square feet. The Oaks Apts., call Steven 775-0156. Two 1 -bdrm. apts. on bus route 696-9568, 696-9498. Leave message. Sublease 2br/2b apartment for $365 a month. Sharon 845-0457, 696-0616. SUB-LE ASE2brdup lex, tirep lace, fen ced yard, Southwood Valley area. $500/mo. thru May. 696-5546. MUST SUBLEASE 2bd/2B Walden Pond apartments. Please call 764-8480, $100 off first month's rent. MUST SUBLEASE! 2Bd/2B apartment. Excellent con dition, available 12-15-90. Bus route. DESPERATE! 693-3207. For Sale LANGE MUSIC CITY Christmas specials throughout the store, 20-50% off selected. Drums • Yamaha • Electric Guitar • Keyboards 20% off accessories with coupon 1315 Texas Avenue 822-2334 DP weightbench and weights, car stereo and equalizer. Must SELL, $100 EACH. 693-6991. Matching couch and rediner with desk, good condition. 696-9675. 1981 Yamaha Seca 550, 4,200 miles GOOD CONDI- TION. Asking $900 696-6756, 1986 Celica GTS, excellent condition, blue, loaded, under NAPA 696-5814. Piano For Sale Wanted: Responsible party to assume small monthly payments on piano. See locally. Call credit manager, 1-800-447-4266. FURNITURE; Glass and brass dinette table and coffee table, excellent condition. 696-9750. Randall RG40 head with 4x12 celestions. $379, 847- 6879. King mattress, springs, frame, with mattress pad and two sheet sets $250. Clint 693-1426. COMPUTERS Best Prices Anywhere GUARANTEED XT, 286, 386SX. ARGYLE COMPUTERS 693-0030. 1000 MINI-CROSS OR DIET PLUS for only $14.95. Call 1-800-888-4988. Personals Adoption means Loving & Caring: We want to help you. Happily married, loving couple wants to adopt your pre- dous newborn or infant and provide him/her with endless love, nurturing and opportunities for a happy and secure future. At-home mom with social work/legal background and devoted father, a successful advertising executive unable to have children waits for your baby or infant with open arms (along with our 2 year old Schnauzer) in our large suburban home with a gorgeous lake view. Please help us and let us help you through this difficult time. Expenses paid. Please call Marty and Aimee collect, anytime, at 313-683-1698. CONSIDERING ADOPTION? We are a happily married couple eager to share our home with a new baby. We have ■ots of love and laughter to give. Maternity expenses covered. Caring female attorney to assist. Call Jon or Susie (213) 493-3997. Travel RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE NOW! DAYTONA BEACH 7 NIGHTS SOUTH PADRE ISLAND 5 AND 7 NIGHTS STEAMBOAT 2, 5 AND 7 NIGHTS FORT LAUDERDALE 7 NIGHTS PANAMA CITY BEACH 7 NIGHTS *119 *129 *96 *137 *124 CORPUS CHRISTI / MUSTANG ISLAND 5 AND 7 NIGHTS HILTON HEAD ISLAND 5 AND 7 NIGHTS *108' *112' CALL TOLL FREE TODAY 1-800-321-5911 •Depending on break dates and lengtn of stay. Wives, daughter fly to Iraq Women want hostages freed Tuesda) taken after Saddam Hussein's lr;. troops invaded Kuwait. Li BySTEV Of The Bi “I’ve waited for our United&; government to do something fc four months,” Carr said. “Theyha not gone over to start talks. Tfc GRAPEVINE (AP) — Three women from Texas, ignoring State Department warnings that they may be risking their lives, left Monday for Iraq determined to gain the re lease of their family members held hostage. Amid farewell tears and hugs have not gone over to negotiate from friends and family, the women them left the Dallas-Fort Worth Interna- tional Airport shortly before 1 p.m. “I told the State Departmenttt; Willie Carr of North Richland I could not wait any longer.” Hills and Jennifer Williams of Dallas The State Department said the trip is necessary to end more warned all families considering tl than four months of worrying. trip that U.S. officials could donoi; Carr will try to obtain the release ing to help them if they were4 of her husband, Gary, an oilfield tained or mistreated, worker, and Williams will be seeking Williams said protests from i the release of her father, Stuart W T il- State Department and her fall) Hams. couldn’t stop her from making4 “This is the only thing I feel I can trip, do because I’ve been helpless ever since Aug. 2,” said Williams, a 24- year-old student at Southern Meth odist University. Williams’ step mother, Charlene Courte, has re fused to leave Iraq until her hus band is released. “This is the only thing I can do besides watch TV and hope for some good news,” Williams said. Donnita Cole of Odessa left in hopes of bringing “I told Dad I’m coming and! didn’t have a choice,” she said. Many of the relatives who slay behind Monday wept as the wo® _ boarded the pit “He (Hussein) has offered our husbands to us if we come over in peace. And I’m going in peace.” — Willie Carr, wife of hostage jack her husband John, an oil field worker who was captured at his home in Kuwait. The three women, along with Ke vin Hale, 17, of Spring, and Bharati Bhatt of League City, who departed from- Houston, were among 17 people from across the United States sched uled to fly out of New York for Am man, Jordan, Monday night. From there, they will fly to Bagh dad on Tuesday night or Wednes day morning for reunions with their family members. Kim Edwards of Carson City, Nev., and a hostage support group, Coming Home, in Champaign, Ill., helped organize the trip. A second group plans to leave for Iraq Dec. 19. Carr said she was frustrated with U.S. efforts at freeing the hostages, Heather [; Fon, 21, spoLt her lather Gi Carr, who has to meet her In band of oi month. “I mis mg hugged him,” she said LaFon said i couple plan a v ding ceremony alter her fathe safe return, Williams’ mother, Wendy Hi liams, said she fully supports ft daughter’s trip. “She’s a brave little girl andw talked about it for four month Wendy Williams said. “She'll ah: have my support.” Carr said Hussein’s invitation family members to visit their lo ones for the holidays gaveherhoj for her husband’s release. “He’s offered our husbands to if we come over in peace,” Carrsa “And I’m going in peace.” “I hope people can rememl that while we’re over there, pea« very important,” Jennifer said. “We are not going for politi Cole said. “We are going for families.” The team wa Monday The L over a I A&M tea Four double 1 their Hig Center Sheri Dil to lead tl Hill and and 11, r Howes Hickey s playing a “Then time you situation Hickey s little slo] times.” Defem for the A Dillart steals ai more bri 23. But it play witl half that 25. She st and miss Russo gr convene when shi low-up si Russo, points ir cited abo “I was been on, came ton Hicke; so’s perl rest the half. Russo after ar both kne “I tho great fir S&L owner testifies innocence of fraud DALLAS (AP) — Former Ver non Savings Association owner Don R. Dixon, testifying Monday in his own defense, said he told executives of the thrift to check with attorneys before reimburs ing themselves for political con tributions. Some of the 38 bank fraud and conspiracy charges against Dixon accuse him of making political donations with Vernon funds ille gally. Former Vernon officers have testified Dixon encouraged them to donate money to certain candidates and reimburse them--, selves through falsified company expense accounts. Dixon, in his second day of tes timony, said he encouraged polit ical donations to “try to maintain the environment we were pros pering in.” But he said some offi cers complained the donations were a hardship. “If it’s that hard on you, you can expense it on our expense ac count if you can clear it with out attorneys,” Dixon said he told one Vernon official. He said he didn’t authorize any Vernon officer to cheat on expense accounts. He is also accused of using Vernon funds personally for prostitutes, trips and a beach house near San Diego. Dixon testified the Si million purchase of the beach house in 1982 was needed to boost Ver non’s image as it moved into the southern California real estate market. “For a little savings and loan from Vernon, Texas, to go to the shores of southern California and attract any type of quality builder- investors, we felt we had to be part of the community,” Dixon said. He said the house was remod eled to include three master bed rooms and three smaller bed rooms so that it could be used to house the thrift’s executives while they were visiting their California operations. He said the thrift had planned to sell the beach house after es tablishing a permanent office in the San Diego area, which he originally thought would take three years. Vernon was still making pay ments on the house in 1986, wit nesses said earlier. Dixon also provided details ot trips to Kansas and California he took with Linton Bowman, for- mne*. commissioner of the Texas 1 savings and Loan Department The trips were paid for by Ver | non. He testified their expense was not harmful to the savings and loan. The California trips were made, Dixon said, so Bowmaa would “get comfortable with the rapid growth of Vernon in south ern California.” Dixon also wanted Bowman to check out some car dealership investment' he was considering and a com puter system developed by a southern California thrift consul tant. Dixon said he helped arranges female companion to accompany Bowman on one of those trips He said it was not a “regular busi ness practice” for Vernon to pro vide escorts at social functions and said the thrift never paid women for sex. Dixon testified he became coiv cerned about Vernon’s financial condition in the mid-’80s when he heard rumors Congress migfc change tax laws and tnriit regula tors might step up their efforts. Dixon said regulators, lawmak ers and thrift leaders, including himself, should all be faulted fot the savings and loan crisis. ‘We should all share in the blame,"he said. ROTHER’S BOOKSTORES THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT ROTHER’S SELL YOUR BOOKS NOW 340 George Bush 901 Harvey