CHICAGO (AP) — Negotiations on a contract with Illinois’ largest public employee union will continue without the possibility of a strike or lockout for one month after the contract expires next week.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 31, released a statement Thursday about the agreement.

The idea is to let both sides negotiate in July without the threat of disruption of public services. The statement says “all legal and contractual” rights will be preserved.

The negotiations come amid an impasse over the state budget. Rauner has vetoed most of the spending plan, which some Democrats say means starting over close to the July 1 fiscal year.

The contract expires Tuesday when lawmakers are expected in Springfield. AFSCME represents roughly 36,000 state workers.

 

 

 

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