The largest state employees union says it will probably become clear by the end of this month whether state workers are headed for an unpredecented strike.
AFSCME has warned members to start preparing for a possible walkout, by setting aside money and putting off major purchases. Henry Bayer with AFSCME says Governor Pat Quinn may force a strike by insisting on benefit cuts that could reduce take-home pay by thousands of dollars a year.
Bayer says unless the administration softens its stance during talks scheduled for late this month, the union may not have any options left but to walk off the job.
