Michigan’s Democratic House speaker ordered the chamber’s sergeants to seek out dozens of protesting state House Republicans who are waiting to take control next year.

State Rep. Joe Tate issued a “call of the House” on Thursday, ordering House sergeants to bar the doors to the chamber and search for missing members in response to the absence of 55 members.

Those 55 members included 54 Republicans who are protesting the for-now Democratic majority House’s rejection of changes to paid sick leave and for tip wage laws set to go into effect in February.

“I wish we were here under better circumstances,” House Minority Leader Matt Hall said at a press conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. “What we’re facing is the complete destruction of our state’s restaurant industry. We’re seeing the livelihoods of 60,000 restaurant workers in jeopardy all because of an activist, Democrat Supreme Court who invented a new law that will eliminate tipping in Michigan.”

“As a result of that, our restaurant workers will see their wages go down,” he said.

The mass absence also includes Detroit Democratic state Rep. Karen Whitsett, who says she will not return until lawmakers deal with “black issues.” Her absence is particularly fatal for Michigan House Democrats, who could not establish the quorum needed without 56 members present.

As for Tate’s “call of the House,” it was unsuccessful. A House sergeant entered Hall’s office but left without him. Tate decided to adjourn the Michigan House until Dec. 31, killing myriad bills waiting for the Democratic Senate’s approval.

Michigan House Democrats were angry at the absence of half of the chamber.

“People made promises, they took an oath, to say that I am going to be where I’m supposed to be; you’re supposed to be here today,” Democratic state Rep. Tyrone Carter told reporters. “How can you be a lawmaker and not a law abider?”

Tate added to the conversation, incensed at his failed ploy to find Michigan House Republicans. Democrats were so angry at the House Republicans that they kicked their staff off the House floor because they saw no point in them being there if their bosses weren’t.

“Being a leader means showing up for work & showing up for the people you serve. #CallOfTheHouse,” Tate posted on X.

Democrats hoped to get second-chamber approvals on a proposed public information act law that would expand transparency to the governor’s office and the state legislature. Other bills that needed approval included bans on the possession and sale of ghost guns along with bump stocks.

The Michigan House also missed an opportunity to extend the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims, which had been passed to the chamber by the state Senate.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Michigan House Republicans, along with Hall, said they were “spreading across the state Thursday to meet with Michigan restaurant workers and demand action.”

Next year, Michigan House Republicans will take a 58-52 seat majority that will ensure that the GOP has a check on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) that they have lacked in recent years. The state Senate will remain in the hands of Democrats.