AFSCME Files Suit to Block State Government Layoffs

The union representing a majority of Illinois state workers wants a judge to halt plans for government layoffs. The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees has filed suit in Johnson County, home of the Vienna Correctional Center.

It's in response to Governor Pat Quinn's plan to cut as many as 26-hundred jobs across state government, some as early as next month. Quinn says the plan would provide savings for the cash-strapped state. But AFSCME Spokesman Anders Lindall says the layoffs could create other problems...

"We need to know how will the work be done in whatever agency we're talking about," Lindall said. "Will this significantly increase caseloads in the Department of Human Services? Will it cause further shortages in state prisons that drive up overtime costs and make conditions less safe?"

AFSCME's lawsuit argues the state should be prohibited from going through with layoffs until it finishes bargaining with the union over the impact of job cuts. No hearing date has been set. Quinn's office did not respond to calls seeking comment.