A union that represents Illinois state workers has issued a memo to members telling them how to prepare in case of a possible strike.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is the largest state employee union in Illinois. The union told members in the memo that they should put aside money now and not make major purchases until the possibility of a strike has ended.
Lee Enterprises newspapers in Illinois first obtained the two-page letter. The union and Gov. Pat Quinn have been at odds over contract negotiations. AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says the union wants to make sure workers are prepared.
But is a strike going to occur? Speaking on the Jim Leach Show on WMAY 970-AM on Monday, AFSCME executive director Henry Bayer said that it depends on Quinn's administration:
The head of AFSCME says a state worker strike is a “real possibility,” unless the Quinn administration backs away from some of its demands in ongoing contract talks with the union.
Quinn spokesman AbdonPallasch says the administration is committed to getting a fair deal for the state, employees and taxpayers.
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