MINNEAPOLIS — Opponents of a drive to unionize operators of some in-home Minnesota day cares are pressing a federal judge to halt the process.

The judge was scheduled to hear arguments Thursday from foes seeking an injunction to stop a potential union election. Meanwhile, state lawyers want a set of lawsuits dismissed.

The cases involve a newly enacted state law that enables labor unions workers to pursue the union election. They say a union could improve working conditions and reimbursement rates.

The opponents contend the effort could improperly force independent business owners to unionize or force them to pay dues even if they don’t join.