The issue before the court was when the timeframe for filing an interlocutory appeal of a class certification order could be extended under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(f), which authorizes interlocutory review of orders "granting or denying class-action certification" of petitions filed within 14 days of the order. Here, petitioner filed a Rule 23(f) petition 14 days after the district court had revised its class certification order but months after the original order certifying the class. Respondent, who had received disabilit

Breach of contract and promissory estoppel claims seeking retiree benefits were not preempted by ERISA where employee had allegedly negotiated for reinstatement of benefits as if there was no break in service upon resuming employment following termination, thereby creating an independent legal duty for employer.