Union coalition seeks pension injunction

SPRINGFIELD — A coalition of unions is asking a Sangamon County judge to prevent a statewide pension overhaul from taking effect until its constitutionality is decided.

We Are One Illinois filed a motion Monday in Springfield seeking a preliminary injunction against the new law. It's supposed to take effect this summer.

The law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn last year essentially cuts benefits for employees and retirees. Illinois has roughly $100 billion in unfunded pension liability.

A We Are One Illinois spokesman says workers will have to make “irrevocable” and “life-altering retirement decisions” based on a law that might not be constitutional. The coalition covers several unions including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.

Members of the State Universities Annuitants' Association have filed a similar motion.