SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois officials have agreed to stop transferring inmates from prisons they plan to close until the union representing Corrections Department employees can have a say in the process.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees requested a halt to prisoner moves from places like Tamms Correctional Center -- the "supermax" prison Gov. Pat Quinn plans to close to save money.
AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says the state and union will meet an arbitrator Tuesday to hash out safety measures for closing the prisons.
No one may transfer until Alexander County Judge Charles Cavaness (KA'-vuh-nis) gauges progress Aug. 17.
Tamms houses extremely violent inmates and gang leaders.
Records reviewed by The Associated Press show 29 Tamms inmates have been moved since Thursday.
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