SPRINGFIELD – Contract negotiations between the state of Illinois and government employees are at a “virtual standstill” because of unfair demands by Gov. Pat Quinn, a union is telling its members.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said in an email that the Democratic governor wants concessions so deep that they are “an insult to every state employee.” It said salary cuts and increased insurance costs could mean some workers would take a $10,000 hit.

But Quinn budget spokesman Abdon Pallasch said the state can’t afford to keep providing salaries and benefits “at levels far exceeding the salaries and benefits of other unionized state workers across the country.”