One of the plaintiffs in the suit challenging Governor Bob Holden’s executive order allowing some state workers to unionize is finding some good news in an appeals court ruling – despite the court’s dismissal of the challenge. The Missouri Western District Court of Appeals granted the Governor’s motion to dismiss, claiming – among other things – the executive order is within the Governor’s discretion and authority and is not actionable. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce, which was among those seeking to overturn the order, finds something positive in the decision. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Mehan says this decision gives Holden a hollow victory in that his authority to issue such orders is upheld, but the mechanism for setting up collective bargaining agents and collecting dues from members is nowhere to be found. In issuing its decision, the court cited a 1947 court case, City of Springfield versus Clouse, in which it was ruled public workers have the right to organize – but that right does not extend to collective bargaining as to qualifications, tenure, compensation, and working conditions. The ruling leaves open the possibility of an appeal, but no decision on that option has been made.