Ill. state AFSCME workers approve contract

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois state government workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have voted to approve a three-year contract.

AFSCME Council 31 officials announced Tuesday evening that its 35,000 members approved the pact reached Feb. 28 after 15 months of negotiating with Gov. Pat Quinn.

Workers won't get a raise in the first year but have accepted 2 percent salary increases in the last two. Those due incentive "step" increases will get them and ten years' seniority will bring a $25-a-month longevity increase.

But union members will pay an additional 1 percent of salary for health care premiums and other health costs.

Quinn also agreed to provide a 5.25 percent pay increase due in 2011 that refused to pay at the time.