By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A state appeals court has upheld an executive order from Gov. Bob Holden giving collective bargaining rights to thousands of state employees.
Tuesday's decision rejects an attempt to reinstate a lawsuit against the order.
Supporters of the lawsuit say Holden illegally bypassed the Legislature and that his order could force employees to pay a fee even if they don't join a union.
But the court says Holden's order is merely a directive, and thus cannot even be challenged in the courts.