Averting the possibility of a strike or lockout of thousands of unionized state employees is in the best interest of Illinois and the economy of the communities where they live, work and pay taxes, Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said Thursday.

Harmon is the Senate sponsor of House Bill 580, which would allow the use of binding interest arbitration when the State of Illinois and employees can’t come to terms on union contract negotiations.

The Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 38-17 on Thursday. It previously passed in the House and now will go to Gov. Bruce Rauner for consideration.

“I am concerned about the inability of the state and AFSCME to come to terms on a contract and what that could mean for state operations, particularly in light of Gov. Rauner’s past comments that he is willing to shut down the government to make a point with unions,” Harmon said.

“A strike or lockout of thousands of workers throughout Illinois is not good for businesses – from daycare centers and grocery stores to banks and utility companies – nor is it responsible to the taxpayers who expect the state services they pay for.”

The state and employees represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, have been without a contract since it expired June 30, 2015. In addition to AFSCME, the governor’s office has not reached a deal with 80 other state employee unions whose contracts are under negotiation.

Interest arbitration would be an optional tool that could bring moderation to labor talks and offer both sides an incentive to stay at the table, rather than go to a strike or a lockout.

“This legislation does not force any particular outcome to negotiations, nor will it cost the state a dime more to have arbitration available as a tool,” Harmon said. “But, clearly, in these difficult times for state government, it is critical that both sides stay at the table and reach a deal. HB580 would help to ensure that.”