Gov. Snyder asks Michigan Supreme Court to issue advisory opinion on right-to-work law

Gov. Rick Snyder is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to rule quickly on an aspect of the constitutionality of a right-to-work law that takes effect in two months.

The Republican governor said Monday he wants to resolve the uncertainty over the law's impact on state employees because new contract talks will begin this summer.

If the high court grants Snyder's request for an advisory opinion, it could thwart opponents' plans to file lawsuits.

Snyder is hoping for a ruling before the court's term ends in July.

READ: Freedom to Work advisory opinion request

He said protracted litigation would be "very divisive" and not serve the interests of "judicial economy."

Unions are considering all legal options to challenge and block the law that prohibits forcing workers to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.

Michigan in December became the 24th right-to-work state.

Gov. Rick Snyder says a failed ballot proposal to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the constitution triggered the discussion that led to the passage and signing of two bills that covered the private sector workers and government employees.

The decision was met with protest from thousands at the state Capitol.

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