HONOLULU -- The state and the unions were expected to be back at the bargaining table Tuesday.

As more than 1,100 state workers face possible layoffs, the three public unions on Monday night told KITV they will attend contract talks with Gov. Linda Lingle.

Earlier Monday afternoon, they said they would not attend because the head of United Public Workers was on the mainland.

But the unions said they are willing to attend a noon meeting to hear the governor's counter-proposal to their 5 percent wage cut offer.

The governor said the departments of Human Services, Health, Agriculture, Accounting and General Services and Business and Economic Development have been targeted with the most potential layoffs:

"They may be doing something very important, but it may not be the core function of that department," Lingle said. "Over the years, the department's functions have grown as the public has asked for more services, but it might not be their core function."

No state employees will actually lose their jobs until three months after they are notified in writing, and that has not happened yet.

Many of those on the layoff lists won't lose their jobs or their salaries. They will just "bump" less senior employees from their jobs to remain employed.