Quick action ordered on labor-backed ballot issue

LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered the state appeals court to decide by Monday whether a union-supported referendum gets on the November ballot. A group called Protect Our Jobs wants voters to decide whether collective bargaining rights should be written into the state Constitution. The appeals court heard arguments Wednesday after the Board of State Canvassers declined to put the question on the ballot. Critics, including Gov. Rick Snyder, say the referendum it is too broad and illegal. The Supreme Court had been asked to immediately take the case. But the justices want the appeals court to take the first look. Published: Fri, Aug 24, 2012