Carpenters Labor-Management Pension Fund v. Freeman-Carder LLC

**Pension Fund Wins Default Judgment Against Construction Company** The Carpenters Labor-Management Pension Fund sued Freeman-Carder LLC, a construction company, for failing to make required pension contributions for their workers. Under their contract, the employer was supposed to contribute money to the pension fund on behalf of their employees, but they stopped making these payments. The court ruled in favor of the pension fund because Freeman-Carder LLC completely ignored the lawsuit - they never responded to the legal complaint or showed up to defend themselves. When a company fails to respond to a lawsuit, courts can issue a "default judgment" against them. The judge ordered Freeman-Carder to pay $57,055.77, which included the unpaid pension contributions, interest on the late payments, additional penalty damages, and the legal fees for bringing the lawsuit. The company must also allow an audit of their records. This case shows workers that pension funds will take legal action to recover money that employers owe to worker benefit plans. Even if employers try to ignore their obligations, courts will enforce contracts that protect worker benefits and retirement funds.