The Illinois Supreme Court turned down the Rauner administration’s request to avoid the appeal process in determining if Rauner can force contract agreements with the AFSCME. The union, which represents almost 40,000 of Illinois state employees, issued a statement arguing that instead of spending money in court, Rauner should work to find common ground with the union. Murashko Rauner’s general counsel, stated that the administration feels it cannot offer more benefits in the updated contracts.
See "State Supreme Court denies Rauner request to bypass AFSCME appeal", Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun Times, April 4, 2017