The largest Illinois state employees union is preparing for a potential strike.
AFSCME executive director Roberta Lynch sent an email to union members telling them a strike authorization vote will take place in each local union sometime between January 30th and February 19th.
The union wants to resume negotiating after talks with Governor Bruce Rauner's administration broke down a year ago.
A state labor board ruled negotiations were officially at "impasse," meaning Rauner can impose whatever contract conditions he chooses.
Earlier this week, AFSCME offered a compromise to forgo general wage increases for four years and require employees to pay more toward health care. A Rauner spokeswoman called it ``superficial.''
Governor Rauner called the strike authorization vote disappointing and puts Illinois residents at risk.
