Illinois State Museum, DNR Layoffs On Hold Amid Legal Fight

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has agreed to delay more than 100 layoffs of Illinois State Museum staff, conservation police officers and other state workers scheduled for next week.

The Republican governor had targeted the positions for layoffs on Sept. 30 because of the state budget crisis. Unions representing the workers sued, saying the state was violating labor contracts.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said Tuesday that layoffs of union employees have stopped, pending court action. She says the administration believes the courts will conclude the administration followed the law.

Police Benevolent and Protective Association director Sean Smoot says the conservation officer layoffs have been "delayed indefinitely."

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees spokesman Anders Lindall says it remains unclear whether the state museums will close as scheduled next week.

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