Quinn, union reach agreement on layoffs

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn and the state's largest employees union are announcing a deal that would avert 2,600 layoffs.

Both sides were sketchy on the details Tuesday night. But statements from both Quinn's office and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees indicate employees are willing to take voluntary furlough days and forgo pay increases in the short term.

A judge stalled Quinn's plans to lay off workers to save money in a budget crisis after AFSCME filed a lawsuit over the matter last fall.

Quinn's office announced the deal would save more than $200 million.

That's a far cry from the multibillion-dollar deficit the state faces. AFSCME Executive Director Henry Bayer reiterated his call for "comprehensive tax reform" to raise enough revenue.