GM Wins Pension Benefit Challenge; Split Sixth Circuit Finds No ERISA Plan

A group of retired auto workers lost their bid for additional pension benefits because the arrangement under which they sought benefits wasn’t an ERISA plan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held Jan. 7 in a 2-1 ruling (Buchanan v. Gen. Motors, LLC, 6th Cir., 13-1664, unpublished opinion 1/7/15).

The retirees—who all worked for General Motors Co., Robert Bosch LLC and Delphi Corp. throughout their careers—alleged that the companies impermissibly reduced their pension benefits in violation of a “Special Attrition Program” agreed to by GM, Delphi and the United Auto Workers.

Judge Eric L. ...