The story is being trumpeted by the conservative media and has caused an uproar online. But it's inaccurate.

In a press release, Decatur said it waited for "clarification" of documents from the IBEW "that implied a requirement of our employees to agree to union affiliation" while working in New York and New Jersey.

"As we waited for clarification, we became aware that Seaside Heights received the assistance they needed from other sources," the statement says. "To be clear, at no time were our crews 'turned away' from the utility in Seaside Heights."

The IBEW wasn't immediately available for comment.

Mike Langford, the president of the the Utility Workers of America, told MSN that his members frequently work alongside nonunion workers. He added that companies, not employees, determine which workers are allowed in their territories.

"Of course, we would like to see all workers in unions," he said. "Nobody is being turned away from doing work. It's all hands on deck."