By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – Members of the state’s largest public employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, are rallying support across the state for a new contract. Gov. Bruce Rauner is negotiating with the union on a contract because the current one expires June 30.

Kim Roemersberger, who works with the Department of Human Services, was one of several state employees, who rallied Wednesday in Bloomington.

“At this point, the governor has not been willing to negotiate in a positive manner,” Roemersberger said. “He’s been putting his demands first rather than negotiating with us. We don’t know what will happen on June 30.”

Capitol Fax reported late last month the Rauner administration has asked state agencies to submit a contingency plan in case of a worker strike or lockout.

Rauner has said his office is negotiating in good faith despite claims from AFSCME that the governor’s demands are extreme. Rauner is reportedly pursuing a wage freeze and reduced vacation time among a “laundry list” of demands, according to the union.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].