Supreme Court Asked to Rule on Constitutionality of Right to Work Law

On Monday, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder filed a request with the Michigan Supreme Court asking for a ruling on the constitutionality of the recently passed right-to-work law.

The well-publicized law was put into place during the recent lame duck session. Mr. Snyder is requesting the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the right-to-work law prior to the end of its term in July. The timeframe is essential to be able to give ample time to allow the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations with state employees to comply with Public Act 349 (right-to-work). The negotiations will start in the upcoming summer months. Mr. Snyder requests the Court to decide whether the law affects state classified employees.

A disagreement exists between Mr. Snyder and members of the Civil Service Commission who believe that, under the Constitution, only they possess the ability to implement right-to-work rules on state classified employees.

Furthermore, Mr. Snyder requested rulings on whether the law (PA 349) violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and whether it represents a change of purpose that violates the Michigan Constitution.

The requests from Mr. Snyder come with much opposition from Democrats and unions. Some Democrats believe it shows a clear sign that Governor Snyder wants the case to be heard by the court once he appoints a Justice, a move that will give Republicans a 5-2 majority.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 1, 2013 11:00 AM
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