Attorney General Dana Nessel of Michigan has stepped into the fray alongside a coalition of her peers from 20 other states, challenging President Donald Trump's recent attempt to remove Gwynne Wilcox from her position on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). According to a press release from the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the coalition filed an amicus brief in support of maintaining the NLRB's quorum, which is vital for its operation.

The litigation saga began when President Trump, on January 27, 2025, made a move to dismiss Wilcox mid-term, sparking legal contention given federal law stipulates NLRB members can only be removed for cause. In the face of a recent ruling by Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which found the President's action illegal, the Trump administration is now seeking a stay to delay the effect while an appeal is pursued. Trying to get Wilcox fired from the board, Howell's opinion was firm, stating Trump's actions are "violative of clear statutory law." While trying to appeal, the administration effectively wants the stay to let Wilcox's firing take hold, as stated by the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office, including Nessel, argue that allowing the President's dismissal attempt to succeed would damage worker protections and throw a wrench into the workings of federal labor law. "Donald Trump and his administration have once again lost in court, yet they continue their unlawful attempt to stall the National Labor Relations Board’s vital work of protecting workers, including hundreds of thousands in Michigan," Nessel said. "Granting a stay to obstruct this work would only set a dangerous precedent and must be denied."

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is important for making sure workers can form unions, negotiate better wages and conditions, and take part in activities like striking. If the NLRB stopped working, it would disrupt these protections and harm the public. Collective bargaining helps workers get better pay and benefits, which also benefits employers by creating stable labor relations and reducing inequality. Even non-union workers benefit because employers are encouraged to offer better wages and protections to attract talent, as reported by the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Nessel in the brief are attorneys general from states across the country, including heavy hitters like California, New York, and Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. Their collective voice represents a broad sector of the U.S. workforce, all engaged in a legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for the country's labor landscape.