CHICAGO — A top ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner warned members of the largest state employee union to be “careful” about “crossing” the Republican governor by going on strike, suggesting that individual jobs are more important than the group’s political standing in Springfield.

The comments by House Republican leader Jim Durkin come as members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 are voting on whether to authorize a walkout amid a prolonged contract battle with Rauner.

Durkin warned workers that they are quote, “dealing with a person who’s a very determined individual, and he’s a tough person. And he drives a bargain.”

Durkin’s comments were made during a Friday taping of WLS-AM 890’s “Connected to Chicago” that airs at 7 p.m. Sunday.

The House minority leader warned that if workers cross Rauner they should be careful because they’ll be crossing a governor who’s not going to do what’s in the best interests of AFSCME members and their families and loved ones.