The National Labor Relations Board is alleging unfair labor practices at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale after unionized workers claimed they were harassed and retaliated against for participating in a June informational picket.

The allegations come in a complaint from the board filed this week, which calls for a hearing before an administrative law judge in January.

"We'll be, in essence, prosecuting North Memorial in a hearing," said Marlin Osthus, regional director for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Minneapolis.

In a statement, hospital officials said the board has not made a ruling of any violations of the National Labor Relations Act. They added: "North Memorial categorically denies the allegations in the complaint."

The Minnesota Nurses Association and SEIU Healthcare Minnesota filed charges with NLRB this summer, alleging the hospital fired an employee, revoked work agreements and forced employees to work weekends because of the informational picket, according to a news release issued Thursday by the unions. The unions also claim that workers were "repeatedly interrogated" about union activities.

The complaint filed this week by NLRB asks that the hospital rescind any discipline against the workers, and make them whole for any losses. The National Labor Relations Act doesn't allow for any penalties or fines, Osthus said.

"Respondent has been discriminating in regard to the hire or tenure or terms or conditions of employment of its employees, thereby discouraging membership in a labor organization," the NLRB said of North Memorial in its complaint.

Christopher Snowbeck • 612-673-4744

Twitter: @chrissnowbeck