Labor experts unsure of future if Illinois workers strike

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - It's unclear whether people who might replace state employees in the event of a strike by Illinois' largest public-employee union could end up with permanent jobs.

The State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/2nbiFKd ) reports Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has begun collecting names of people willing to work if the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees strikes. The administration has suggested online that replacement positions could turn into permanent jobs.

But whether those people would get a permanent state job could be another issue for the courts to decide.

Union members have voted to give its bargaining committee authority to call a strike at some point in the future.

Even though hiring replacement workers to keep government operating in a strike is allowed, union officials say it would be bad for Illinois.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com