Quinn’s planned layoffs on hold

VIENNA (AP) – A southern Illinois judge has put Gov. Pat Quinn’s planned state layoffs on hold.

Saline County Judge Todd Lambert today issued a preliminary injunction sought by a major union to block Quinn’s push to lay off some 2,600 state workers.

Lambert made the ruling in favor of Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. It bars Quinn from carrying out the layoffs until the grievances can be worked out by arbitration or other means.

Lambert says the risk to the possibly affected employees “far outweighs” any damages or other harm the state may suffer by delaying the layoffs to allow for arbitration.

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