SCOTUS Skips Baltimore Gas Worker’s FMLA Honest-Belief Challenge

The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a diabetic Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. mechanic’s claim that his medical-leave interference was wrongly dismissed under the honest belief rule.

The rule provides protection for an employer that honestly believed an employee engaged in misconduct, but it doesn’t apply as broadly to interference claims under the Family and Medical Leave Act as it does under other anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws, Michael Shipton said in seeking Supreme Court review.

On FMLA interference claims, the honest-belief defense—when it’s established—only limits the liquidated damages for which an employer is liable. The defense doesn’t ...