AFSCME Files Suit To Block Employee Layoffs CHICAGO, IL (wsiu) - The union representing many Illinois state workers is suing to block Governor Pat Quinn's plan to lay off about 2,600 state employees.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is arguing that the layoffs shouldn't be allowed until the state finishes negotiating over their impact.

The union argues the layoffs would create serious safety hazards for workers at Illinois prisons.

AFSCME spokesperson Anders Lindall says the suit also argues the state is violating the contract by hiring private contractors to do bargaining-unit work.

AFSCME filed its lawsuit Monday in Johnson County, home of the Vienna Correctional Center, where 50 workers are to be laid off under Governor Quinn's plan.

Quinn says the layoffs are necessary to help balance the state budget. Quinn also wants the union to agree to unpaid furlough days for many state employees.

A date hasn't been set for the union's lawsuit to be heard. The layoffs go into effect September 30th.
© Copyright 2012, wsiu