LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Officials representing the state of Michigan and United Auto Workers are kicking off contract talks.

The UAW said Friday the union and state are expected to start negotiating after an official handshake. The current contract covering roughly 17,000 workers expires Dec. 31.

UAW Local 6000 represents workers in every state department at about 1,100 worksites. Members include doctors, nurses, teachers, probation officers and secretaries.