AFSCME to take new vote on contract

SPRINGFIELD — The largest Illinois government employees’ union will take a second ratification vote on its tentative three-year contract because of a continuing lawsuit over back wages.

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees OK’d the contract agreement with Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration on March 20.

But AFSCME announced Tuesday it would schedule a new vote because Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office hasn’t dropped a lawsuit Quinn had pressed over raises due in 2011 and 2012.

The first vote was based on the Quinn administration’s promise to drop the lawsuit.

Quinn agreed in the contract deal to pay the back wages. But he needs a $140 million appropriation from the Legislature to pay them.

Madigan says she won’t drop the lawsuit until the money is approved.