Cut state workers’ raises

Chicago Sun-Times: Gov. Pat Quinn is right to try to kill promised pay raises for about 30,000 state employees.

Too bad he probably can’t do it.

Recently, Quinn unilaterally blocked a 5.25 percent raise due between now and next February to employees of 14 state agencies and commissions, saving the state about $75 million. Given the state’s $4 billion backlog of unpaid bills and major cuts to human services and education this year, trimming back the raises seems like the smart thing to do.

But state workers have a contract, and we don’t see how Quinn can get around it. With a few legal maneuvers, the state workers’ main union probably can get the raises restored. Quinn likely knows that, of course, which makes his move puzzling.

Quinn blames the state Legislature, saying it failed to pass a budget big enough to cover the raises. Quinn’s own proposed budget was nearly $3 billion higher than what ultimately passed.

Quinn also is likely trying to set a tough tone for upcoming contract talks with AFSCME Council 31, the main union.

Quinn should have talked tough earlier.