AFSCME Council 31 and the Rauner administration have reached a deal allowing the two sides to continue contract talks through the month of July, ending the possibility of a strike or lockout during that month. 

The union's contract with the state is slated to expire on June 30.

A joint statement issued Thursday from AFSCME and the governor's office states: "Today AFSCME Council 31 and the Governor's Office reached an agreement that precludes the possibility of a strike or lockout for a one-month period after the state's collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Council 31 expires on June 30. This agreement preserves all legal and contractual rights of the parties as of the contract expiration date. More importantly, it allows both sides to continue to negotiate during the month of July without the threat of disruption to important public services."

The two sides have yet to reach a full agreement on a new labor contract after more than than six months of negotiations.