AUBURN – An attempt to unionize workers at the Panolam plant on Pionite Road has resulted in an unfair labor practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

Local 340 of the Teamsters filed the charge last week, alleging that management at the decorative laminate manufacturer is spreading falsehoods about the union and intimidating workers. A March 14 vote to certify has been postponed pending the NLRB investigation.

“It’s the typical stuff you get,” said Jim Carson, president of Local 340 in Portland. “The company is making blatantly illegal statements trying to scare employees off.”

The action specifically states that since on or about Feb. 14 the employer has been engaging in unfair labor practices by: indicating that if the union were certified, the plant might close; spying on employees to determine their support of the union; and other allegations.

Not true, said plant manager Jeff Marquis.

“We are confident that, once we present all the facts to the NLRB, they will dismiss these charges and the election can proceed,” he said.

Carson said his chapter was contacted by some Panolam employees back in September, who expressed interest in joining the union. Representatives from Local 340 have been meeting with workers, explaining the benefits of affiliation.

Laura Sacks, the NLRB supervising attorney for the case, said the March 14 vote is blocked, unless the Teamsters request otherwise. The union needs 157 votes of the 313 eligible workers to certify.

Sacks said the NLRB tries to investigate charges within 35 days of filing and then implement its finding within two weeks after that. Carson filed the charge Feb. 27.

“Because it concerns an organizing activity, it’s a high priority,” she said.

Panolam, which acquired the former Pioneer Plastics in 1999, employs about 500 people. According to one employee, who asked not to be identified, the manufacturing workers are hoping union affiliation will produce a wage hike of about $3 per hour and require the company to pay the full amount of medical insurance premiums, among other improvements.