A court has put a hold on New York City’s plans to solicit bids for health insurance for nearly 300,000 workers, retirees and their families.

After a group of unions sued the city Friday, a judge said the city can’t put out the request until at least Aug. 20.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday the city planned to seek bids within days. Deputy Mayor Caswell Holloway says the city is confident it ultimately will be allowed to proceed.

The Municipal Labor Committee’s suit argues the city can’t legally solicit bids without its assent.

The committee says it has raised concerns about how the plan would affect prescription drug coverage and the overall quality of workers’ care.

The dispute comes amid tension between the mayor and many unions over expired contracts.

(AP)