Christine Boardman, the president of a union representing government workers, says its legislative leaders who have walked away from discussions:

 

"It is not the workers, it is not the people who actually add value to the state every single day."

 

In a conference call with reporters, Boardman and other labor leaders outlined what they'd like to see in pension legislation.

 

They want tax law changed to close what they call "loopholes" benefitting corporations. They want to make sure current retirees are not affected by the changes. And they say state funding of retirement benefits should be automatic and guaranteed. Cinda Klickna is the president of one of Illinois' two big teacher unions:

 

"The pension crisis was caused by past governors and legislatures that failed the people of our state."

 

Klickna says union members have been paying for their retirement out of every paycheck, and should not have to pay for past decisions to underfund pensions.