Hold on inmate transfers continues

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Web Editor - Ryan Burkett

Story Created: Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:45 AM

Story Updated: Fri Aug 17, 2012 11:24 AM

The state departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice have agreed to continue the hold on inmate transfers related to the scheduled closures of prisons, youth centers and adult transition centers until August 31. The state's agreement came in a status call with Judge Cavaness this morning.

The arbitration proceeding began on August 14 and will continue on August 23. Judge Cavaness has set another status call for August 27.

Earlier story:

The future of hundreds of jobs at the Tamms prison could be in the hands of a judge later today.

The AFSCME union and the state of Illinois have been in arbitration talks since Tuesday over the closing of state prisons after the union sued the state.

The union claims the proposed closure would create an unsafe environment for remaining jailers.

If the two sides have not come to an agreement, a judge could rule on a temporary restraining order, either deciding to keep the prison open for a short period of time or allow the state to close Tamms and six other state facilities at the end of the month.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says the state needs to close the prison facilities to close the state budget gap.

That's a claim illinois state treasurer dan rutherford said earlier this week isn't true. He says Gov. Quinn just wants to use the money elsewhere.