Sec. 5.

(a) The official agency or individual responsible for the enforcement of this act is authorized to issue regulations for the enforcement of the act. The departments and agencies in the government in this state and the governments of the civil and political subdivisions thereof shall comply with such regulations and orders issued by such official agency or individual pursuant thereto. The official agency or individual shall, whenever it finds upon appeal of the person concerned, that any department or agency aforesaid has failed or refuses to comply with the provisions of this act or of regulations thereunder to issue an order specifically requiring such department or agency to comply with such provisions and to compensate such person for any loss of salary or wages suffered by reason of failure to comply with such provisions, less any amount received through other employment: Provided, That any such compensation ordered to be paid shall be in addition to and shall not be deemed to diminish any of the benefits of such provisions, and shall be paid by the head of the department or agency concerned out of appropriations currently available for salaries and expenses of such department or agency, and such appropriations shall be available for such purpose.

(b) In case any public employer fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this act, the circuit court for the district in which such public employer is located shall have power, upon the filing of a motion, petition, or other appropriate pleading by the person entitled to the benefits of such provisions, specifically to require such employer to comply with such provisions and to compensate such person for any loss of wages or benefits suffered by reason of such employers' unlawful action: Provided, That any such compensation shall be in addition to and shall not be deemed to diminish any of the benefits of such provisions. The court shall order speedy hearing in any such case and shall advance it on the calendar. Upon application to the attorney general by any person claiming to be entitled to the benefits of such provisions, the attorney general, if reasonably satisfied that the person so applying is entitled to such benefits, shall appear and act as attorney for such person in the advisable adjustment of the claim or in the filing of any motion, petition or other appropriate pleading, and the prosecution thereof specifically to require such employer to comply with such provisions. No fees or court costs shall be taxed against any person who may apply for such benefits: Provided, That only the employer shall be deemed a necessary party respondent to any such actions.

(c) In the state government or any of its political subdivisions or instrumentalities, the following official agencies or individuals shall have the responsibility for reinstating public employees covered by this act in accordance with the provisions of this act: The civil service board or commission, the chief executive, or administrative officer where there is no civil service board or commission. Where there is neither a civil service board or commission, a chief executive, nor administrative officer, then the local governing body shall have such responsibilities.

History: 1951, Act 263, Eff. Sept. 28, 1951