Judge puts Quinn's planned layoffs on hold

[September 28, 2009]  VIENNA, Ill. (AP) -- A major union says its success in delaying Gov. Pat Quinn's planned state layoffs should encourage the Democrat to rethink carrying out any of the job cuts.

Saline County Judge Todd Lambert today issued a preliminary injunction sought by Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to block Quinn's push to lay off some 2,600 state workers.

The ruling blocks the layoffs until the union's grievances can be worked out by arbitration.

The union sued last month, claiming the layoffs would create serious safety hazards for Illinois prison workers and would be inappropriate until their impact is assessed.

Henry Bayer, AFSCME executive director, says Quinn and other politicians now should consider revenue-generating tax increases instead of job cuts.

There's no immediate comment from the state.

[Associated Press]

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