MADISON, Wis. -- A state union bargaining unit representing about 1,100 engineers has filed a lawsuit against the state seeking to stop layoffs.

The union argues in the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Dane County Circuit Court that the state purposefully structured the layoffs so it could recoup unemployment compensation benefits the engineers claim they are entitled to receive.

State Department of Administrative Services spokeswoman Carla Vigue said the lawsuit is being reviewed but she had no further comment.

The State Engineering Association also is asking the court to force the state to collectively bargain with the union.

Engineers in the union work in more than a dozen state agencies as well as the University of Wisconsin System.