Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general to file an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge that could limit the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) ability to protect workers' rights. The brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in the case of YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board.
YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc., an auto parts manufacturer, is charged by the NLRB with alleged unfair labor practices, including interfering with employees' rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). YAPP seeks to halt NLRB's proceedings, arguing that its structure and processes are unconstitutional. Attorney General Nessel and her colleagues urge the court to deny YAPP's request for an injunction, which they argue would impair the NLRB’s function in protecting workers’ rights.
"The NLRB plays an important role in ensuring workers can collectively bargain for fair wages, safe workplaces, and better benefits," said Nessel. "Undermining the NLRB would have a devastating impact on Michigan’s workforce."
The NLRB administers the NLRA, which guarantees American workers' rights to unionize and engage in activities like strikes and pickets. It investigates labor law violations, adjudicates disputes, certifies union election results, and helps improve wages and conditions.
YAPP argues that removal protections for board members and judges are unconstitutional and seeks to stop all proceedings until resolved. The Trump Administration has not defended these protections.
The brief states these protections are constitutional and warns that halting NLRB operations would harm public reliance on its administration of NLRA. Collective bargaining improves wages and conditions while reducing inequality.
Attorney General Nessel also recently supported a challenge against President Trump's attempt to remove Gwynne Wilcox from her term as an NLRB member.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin join this effort.