by 
Michigan labor groups celebrate a court ruling that forces the Republican-led House to deliver long-stalled worker protection bills to the governor’s desk.
Michigan Court Orders Republican House to Act on Labor Bills
LANSING, MI – In a significant win for Michigan’s labor movement, the Michigan Court of Claims ruled that the Republican-controlled House must send nine pro-worker bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for signature. The decision is expected to impact nearly one million Michigan workers.
Court Ruling Ends GOP Standoff Over Worker Protections
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and backed by major labor organizations, including AFSCME Michigan, AFT Michigan, MEA, MNA, UAW, and SEIU Michigan. The case aimed to force House Speaker Matt Hall to transmit bills that had already passed both legislative chambers but were left in limbo.
The stalled bills—HB 4177, 4665–4667, 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058—address a range of worker protections, including:
- Lowering healthcare costs for public employees
- Pension security for public safety professionals
- Stopping predatory debt collection practices
- Enhancing labor rights for thousands of workers across Michigan
“This ruling reminds us that the law still matters, even in Trump’s America,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “We thank the court for upholding Michigan’s Constitution. The labor movement will continue to fight for workers’ rights, regardless of political obstruction.”
Labor Groups Join Legal Battle Against GOP Stalling
As part of the ongoing battle, Michigan’s labor organizations have filed an amicus brief urging the courts to intervene and ensure the bills reach Governor Whitmer. They argue that Speaker Hall’s refusal to transmit the bills is unconstitutional and harms working families.
“Speaker Hall’s refusal isn’t just political—it’s a direct attack on working people,” said Bieber. “These bills would provide real relief to families struggling with healthcare costs, pension security, and debt collectors. Instead of helping, Hall is choosing to block progress for his own gain.”
Essential Worker Protections on the Line
Public employees, law enforcement officers, and educators stand to benefit significantly from the stalled legislation. Leaders from various labor unions expressed frustration over the delays:
- Gino Carbenia, Executive Director of AFSCME Michigan, emphasized the need for affordable healthcare and pension security for public employees in corrections, sanitation, and public health.
- Ray Sholtz, Executive Director of the Michigan Corrections Organization, highlighted the urgent need for pension reform, warning that low staffing levels in Michigan’s prisons are worsening due to poor benefits.
- Terrence Martin, President of AFT Michigan, condemned the GOP House’s inaction, stating that Michigan’s educators face skyrocketing healthcare costs and deserve financial relief.
Unions Demand Immediate Action from Speaker Matt Hall
Labor groups and Senate leaders are increasing pressure on Speaker Hall to act immediately.
“Workers cannot afford these delays, and we will not allow a handful of politicians to sabotage their future,” Bieber said. “If Hall won’t follow the law, we will make sure the courts force him to.”
The Michigan AFL-CIO, representing over one million active and retired workers, remains committed to pursuing further legal action to ensure the bills reach Governor Whitmer’s desk.
Analysis of the Court Case 25-000014-MB
The Michigan Court of Claims case Michigan Senate et al. v. Michigan House of Representatives et al. centers on a dispute over the presentment of nine bills to the governor. The Michigan Senate and its Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks, sued the Michigan House of Representatives, House Speaker Matt Hall, and House Clerk Scott Starr, arguing that the House had improperly withheld these bills from being sent to the governor for approval. The plaintiffs requested an expedited ruling and sought a declaratory judgment, a writ of mandamus, and injunctive relief. The court found that Article 4, § 33 of Michigan’s 1963 Constitution requires all bills passed by the legislature to be presented to the governor, ensuring a 14-day review period before they could take effect. However, the court declined to specify who within the House must carry out this duty, citing precedent that courts do not enforce internal legislative rules.
In its ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs’ request for a declaratory judgment but denied their request for mandamus and injunctive relief. It held that while the nine bills must be presented to the governor, the responsibility for doing so remains a legislative function beyond the court’s enforcement powers. Additionally, the court ruled that House Speaker Matt Hall was privileged from civil service under Article 4, § 11 of the Michigan Constitution, exempting him from the lawsuit. The court also found the case justiciable, rejecting the argument that it was a nonjusticiable political question, and determined that both the Senate and Majority Leader Brinks had standing. Ultimately, the ruling affirmed the constitutional requirement for bill presentment while leaving enforcement to the legislative process.
Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Feature Stories – Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that come together to make the Great Lake State unique and cherished by both residents and visitors alike.
- Weird Political News – A sarcastic take on official news from around the U.S., exploring the absurdities that often arise in the political landscape while providing a humorous perspective on current events and highlighting the quirks of politicians and policies.
- Michigan News – News and events from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region worth knowing, including local stories, impactful interviews, and updates on community happenings that shape the culture and lifestyle of the area.
Your Turn – Like This, or Loath it – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out on ThumbWind Publications.
