Storey v. Meijer, Inc.

This case presents the issue whether an administrative adjudication of disqualification for unemployment compensation benefits may be used to preclude the litigation of issues in a subsequent civil suit for wrongful discharge or breach of employment contract. We conclude that the application of collateral estoppel to the administrative determinations of the mesc would be contrary to legislative intent and considerations of public policy. An mesc proceeding designed to determine eligibility for unemployment benefits is not an adequate substitute for full access to the circuit court with the…