Illinois' largest state-worker union has agreed not to go on strike for at least another two months.
The AFSCME union's agreement also bars Governor Bruce Rauner from locking-out state workers.
But the governor has ordered agencies prepare for a strike. Bringing in retired workers and National Guardsmen are among the options reportedly being considered.
AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says that last idea is "unthinkable."
"How much more of a chaotic and irresponsible concept could you have than mobilizing citizen soldiers to take the place of child protection workers and nurses in veterans' homes?"
Also on Wednesday ... Rauner vetoed a union-backed bill that would have taken contract disputes out of his hands ... instead letting an arbitrator decide.
In his veto message, Rauner says the legislation would "cede major financial decisions to unelected, unaccountable arbitrators."
