AUGUSTA — Union workers are calling on lawmakers to support measures they say will improve wages and tackle economic inequality in Maine.

About 200 workers packed the halls of the State House on Thursday to lobby lawmakers to raise the $7.50 per hour minimum wage and ensure that employees have predictable schedules. They’re also urging legislators to oppose Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s budget and efforts to make Maine a right-to-work state.

Right to work has been a priority for LePage and some Republicans, but attempts to pass the bill have repeatedly failed.

FairPoint worker Dan Brown said Thursday that a minimum wage increase is the right thing to do and long overdue.

But Republicans have called it a “job-killing initiative” and say the state should focus on policies that attract good job paying jobs.