SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's administration estimates the budget will be spared $200 million from its deal over layoffs and furloughs with the government's largest employees union.
But that's only about three-fifths of what Quinn hoped to save with employee layoffs. And it doesn't amount to much when the state has a deficit of $11 billion or more.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit against Quinn last year. Quinn wanted to lay off 2,600 workers and require all state employees to take 12 unpaid furlough days to save $310 million. A judge told the two sides to work it out.
AFSCME agreed to forgo 2 percent in pay increases in the next year and employees may voluntarily take furloughs.
But that's only about three-fifths of what Quinn hoped to save with employee layoffs. And it doesn't amount to much when the state has a deficit of $11 billion or more.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit against Quinn last year. Quinn wanted to lay off 2,600 workers and require all state employees to take 12 unpaid furlough days to save $310 million. A judge told the two sides to work it out.
AFSCME agreed to forgo 2 percent in pay increases in the next year and employees may voluntarily take furloughs.
