The state's largest public employee union remains at odds with Governor Rauner's administration on a new contract.
Members of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, also known as AFSCME, have been meeting with the governor's staff about twice a month since the summer. But AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says there's been little movement toward a deal.
"It shouldn't take this long. And this cloud of uncertainty shouldn't continue to hang over the heads of the men and women who serve our community every day."
The terms of the previous contract remain in place, so workers are still getting paid. Lindall says the governor's demands for a wage freeze, health care changes and privatization of state services are "extreme".
A Rauner spokesperson says the administration is bargaining in good faith and wants to reach a deal fair to both employees and taxpayers. A week of rallies across the state wrap up Thursday night with events in Collinsville and Springfield.
