Judge Blocks State Layoff Plans

By Staff in News on Sep 29, 2009 2:40PM

AFSCME workers in Illinois scored a victory yesterday when Judge Todd Lambert issued an injunction to put the proposed layoffs of nearly 2600 workers on hold. The layoffs were scheduled to begin Wednesday, with almost 500 state workers getting the ax. Judge Lambert ruled that the State of Illinois and AFSCME must enter negotiations or arbitration before layoffs can proceed. AFSCME Executive Director Henry Bayer said, “This is a real victory for our members - those impacted by the layoffs, their families and the well-being of their communities.”

Governor Pat Quinn however, plans to appeal the decision. A spokeswoman said, “We will be appealing today's court decision on the basis that our plan is responsible and legally sound.” The governor's office cites financial woes and AFSCME's unwillingess to accept a combination of a wage freeze, furlough days and 1,000 layoffs. The appeal will be filed in the Fifth District Appellate Court. For now, AFSCME can call the court injuction a victory, with Henry Bayer adding that Quinn should “use this opportunity to revisit his ill-advised layoff plan.”

Post by Aaron Michael