Public employees will take their case directly to lawmakers when they hold a Solidarity Picnic June 13 on the grounds of the state Capitol.

The picnic, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature free food, speakers, door prizes and music. Sponsored by AFSCME Council 6, the event will show support for public employees working for the state and the University of Minnesota, who are deep in negotiations to replace contracts that expire June 30.

Contract talks will be heavily influenced by the budget discussions taking place at the Capitol and the final agreements on funding for the University of Minnesota and to meet rising health care costs, among other issues.

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