Court backs Quinn in denying pay raises

SPRINGFIELD — A federal appeals court is backing Gov. Pat Quinn over pay raises his administration canceled for thousands of union workers.

A U.S. District Court dismissed an effort by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to force the administration to pay the raises. The Seventh U.S. Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld that ruling.

The appeals court ruled the 11th Amendment prevents the union from prevailing because ruling in AFSME’s favor would force the state to spend money.

Quinn, last year, canceled raises for thousands of state worker because he said lawmakers didn’t give him enough money in the budget to do it. The move reportedly saved the state millions of dollars.

In a written statement, AFSCME said it will continue to fight for the pay raises.