AFSCME — the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees — and the state of Illinois have not met to negotiate a long expired labor contract since January. 

Governor Bruce Rauner asked the State Labor Relations Board to declare that the sides had come to an impasse. The impasse could force the union to either accept the state’s contract terms or go on strike. 

Anders Lindall of AFSCME said the union is still willing to negotiate and that it is disappointed with the board’s decision. He said the union plans to make an appeal.

In a statement, Rauner said the decision is fair for taxpayers and state employees and hopes AFSCME will “consider how best to implement the contract.”