Supreme Court of the United States

Guidry v. Sheet Metal Workers National Pension Fund

January 17, 1990493 U.S. 365

Summary

The Supreme Court held that ERISA’s anti‑alienation provision bars the imposition of a constructive trust on a union official’s pension benefits to satisfy a union judgment, and that the LMRDA’s remedial provisions do not override this statutory bar. Accordingly, the Court reversed the Tenth Circuit and remanded for further proceedings consistent with its interpretation of ERISA.

Holding

  • Whether ERISA §206(d)(1) prohibits a constructive trust of pension benefits to satisfy a union judgment.. ERISA’s anti‑alienation provision bars the imposition of a constructive trust on pension benefits, even to satisfy a union judgment.
  • Whether the LMRDA’s remedial provisions can override ERISA’s anti‑alienation provision.. The LMRDA’s “other appropriate relief” provision does not override ERISA’s specific anti‑alienation rule.
  • Whether ERISA’s saving clause §514(d) permits the LMRDA to supersede the anti‑alienation rule.. Section 514(d) does not allow the LMRDA to supersede ERISA’s anti‑alienation provision.
  • Whether an equitable exception exists for criminal misconduct or fiduciary breach that would allow a constructive trust despite §206(d)(1).. No equitable exception exists; any such exception must be created by Congress.

Docket 88-1105

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