AUGUSTA — The union representing Maine state employees has rejoined Maine AFL-CIO, the statewide labor group.

The Maine State Employees Association, which represents about 12,000 Maine workers, is rejoining the federation after splitting from it seven years ago. Maine AFL-CIO is made up of about 150 local unions and represents about 42,000 workers.

MSEA President Ginette Rivard says in a statement that the two groups will work together on legislative issues like pushing to expanding Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. She says the two groups are also united in backing Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud for governor.

Brent Littlefield, political adviser for Republican Gov. Paul LePage, says labor leaders are trying to control state government, raise taxes and hurt small businesses.