(AP) -- Michigan state government workers are expected to protest at the state Capitol as lawmakers continue hearings on legislation aimed at prompting more of them to retire. United Auto Workers Local 6000 is helping to organize the Tuesday rally. The union represents about 17,000 state employees. Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants thousands of public school employees and state workers to retire this year. Workers who already qualify for retirement would get better benefits if they leave, while those who stay on the job would face higher pension contribution costs.
Unions say Michigan can't afford to lose more state workers. The retirements and other changes could save the state an estimated $265 million in the budget year that begins Oct. 1.
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