Judge’s ruling expected Monday on AFSCME layoffs

[September 26, 2009]  VIENNA, Ill. -- The court hearing has concluded in Johnson County, where AFSCME Council 31 is seeking a preliminary injunction to block the implementation of hundreds of state employee layoffs.

Presiding Judge Todd Lambert said he would rule on the union's request for injunction by Monday.

"As a matter of public policy, these layoffs are ill-advised," said Henry Bayer, executive director of Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. "Vital services will be harmed, prisons will be less safe, overtime costs will go up and hundreds of working people will needlessly lose their jobs.

"As a matter of law, we believe we presented a strong case (Wednesday), and we hope to secure an order blocking the layoffs," Bayer said. "Our request is in the judge's hands."

[Text from AFSCME Council 31 file]