More Time for Prisons Slated for Closure

ILLINOIS - The union representing Illinois prison workers is celebrating another legal victory today in the fight to keep prisons open.

An Alexander county judge has granted AFSCME a temporary restraining order that will prevent the state from moving forward with its plan to shutter state transition centers and prisons, including Tamms and the women's prison in Dwight.

Previously slated for closure on August thirty-first, AFSCME won court battles that led to a halt on inmate transfers, citing concerns about overcrowding and the safety of prison staff.

Then last Friday, an arbitrator ruled that Governor Quinn could not close prisons, despite the budget crisis, until  officials complete bargaining with the union over the impact on workers.

Both sides have been given a month to come to an agreement.