The University of Illinois is considering furloughs for union employees and civil service workers. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees represents almost 2,000 workers at the University, and officials for AFSCME say that furloughs are not covered in union contracts. Another union official said that the University has been up front about budget difficulties and they have discussed the possibility of furloughs. Employees earning less than $30,000 a year are exempt from furloughs, and employees whose salaries come from outside grants and contracts. The University's budget grew by $500 million dollars this year.
See "Cuts likely for UI's union, civil service employees", Urbana/ Champaign News-Gazette, January 5, 2010