(Radio Iowa) — Negotiations are starting between unions representing state employees and representatives of Governor Kim Reynolds’ Administration. The current labor contracts for state workers expire July 1st. AFSCME Council 61 represents nearly 20-thousand state employees. The union is scheduled to present its contract proposal on Thursday. The union that represents about 600 people who work in state law enforcement agencies is asking for three-percent pay hikes in each of the next two years. Negotiators for the State Police Officers Council say with low unemployment in the state, it’s difficult to keep and attract employees who’ll work in such a high-stress profession. Iowa United Professionals represents about 24-hundred state employees who work in social services and scientific occupations. That union says after two years of zero wage growth for its members, their request is for a four-and-a-half percent pay hike in each of the next two years.

Negotiators representing the Reynolds Administration will make a counter-offer in two weeks.