Turning to the facts of the case, the Sixth Circuit stated,
Unless the issue of benefits is shown to be causally linked to the employer’s decision to terminate an employee, the termination decision will not violate section 510 of ERISA. Schweitzer offers little proof to show that Local 100 terminated his employment in order to avoid the payment of pension, health, and welfare benefit on his behalf. The primary piece of evidence he submits is the letter written by Local 100’s attorney, which lists the cost of maintaining Schweitzer’s health and welfare benefits as one reason for Schweitzer’s termination, but also emphasizes the union’s primary goal of reducing expenses as the motivating factor in its decision. The attorney’s letter lists other costs saved by the deci- sion to lay off Schweitzer, such as his salary and car allowance. It also notes that, prior to Schweitzer’s termination, Local 100 may have been the only Teamsters chapter in the area to employ a full-time organizer, calling it “something of a luxury.”