Illinois' largest public employees union is taking preliminary steps in preparation for a possible strike.
AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says it's responsible to be sure the union's members are informed, in the event it comes to taking a strike vote.
"Ultimately they're going to be the ones who make decisions about how we respond to the governor's confrontational tactics."
Governor Bruce Rauner is seeking to have an impasse declared, putting an end to his administration's negotiations with AFSCME over a new contract.
If Rauner wins, the union says its would be to strike, or to accept the governor's contract terms.
Lindall says AFSCME doesn't want a strike; but that the governor's asking for members to take a pay cut and pay more for health care.
The governor has long said unionized workers would vote in favor of his contract proposal if given the chance.
