=5SPRINGFIELD - The union representing Illinois prison guards and thousands of other state workers has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. | Statewide officers see layoffs, push retirement amid cuts

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 and negotiators for the state came to an agreement Friday morning after a marathon bargaining session.

Details of the contract were not available Friday. AFSCME Deputy Director Roberta Lynch said details would first be delivered to the more than 35,000 members in meetings that will take place across the state within the next two weeks.

"Obviously, we're very pleased. We think it's a very fair agreement," said Lynch. "It's fair to the employees and it's fair to the taxpayers of Illinois."

The union's contract had expired June 30, but employees had agreed to continue working while negotiations were under way.

Talks hit a sticking point this spring over AFSCME's concern that the administration would attempt to jack up employee health insurance costs. A federal mediator was brought in last month.

Union members rallied at the state fair Wednesday during a picnic hosted by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Members booed the governor, who was brought in through a separate entrance than other statewide officials.

Lynch said the agreement was reached Friday morning after more than 24 hours of non-stop negotiations.

After the contract proposal is reviewed by employees, ratification votes will likely take place within the next two weeks.

Blagojevich spokesman Brian Williamson said the administration is not commenting on the negotiations.