AUGUSTA (AP) — The union representing Maine state employees has requested a meeting with the administration of Gov. Paul LePage to discuss preparations for an “inevitable” shutdown of state government.

The Maine State Employees Association on Monday invoked a statutory requirement that the administration meet with union leaders within 10 days to bargain the terms of a shutdown, which could occur if the Legislature and LePage fail to enact a two-year state budget by the start of the next fiscal year on July 1

The Republican governor proposed a $6.3 billion budget in January. The budget remains stalled in the Democrat-controlled Legislature.

LePage’s spokeswoman told The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/17JjeNm ) the governor has proposed a balanced budget and the administration has given no order to form a strategy for a government shutdown.