A judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Flint’s emergency manager from ‘taking any action’ on behalf of the city.

The city's unions sought the court order claiming the emergency manager has violated Michigan’s open meetings law.

Emergency manager Michael Brown has been running the city of Flint since December. He’s fired city employees and taken away much of the power of the city’s elected leaders. Brown has also been developing a deficit elimination plan that could affect more Flint city employees.

"Because these proceedings were conducted illegally, including the appointment of Michael Brown as Emergency Manager, the court has quite properly enjoined Mr. Brown from acting on behalf of the City of Flint," says Lawrence Roehrig, Secretary-Treasurer of Michigan Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, "As Emergency Manager, he has announced he will privatize various city assets and services, including the city jail, waste collection, water services, and golf course maintenance,"

A state Treasury department spokesman says Brown will abide by the decision and leave the day to day management of Flint to city staff until a court hearing on Tuesday.

Flint mayor Dayne Walling issued a statement:

"There are a number of outstanding legal issues that will need to be resolved through the courts about PA4. During this period, the City of Flint is sure to provide all regular services that residents and businesses expect. I will continue to work for the citizens of Flint and the Mayor's office and City Hall is open to the public as usual."