By Ken Carlson, The Modesto Bee

An allegation of unfair labor practices has blocked a union vote from taking place at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock.

Shelley Coppock, assistant regional director of the National Labor Relations Board, said Thursday that the election, which had been set for next week, is canceled while the agency considers a complaint from the Serv- ice Employees International Union — United Healthcare Workers West.

The union charged that administrators held mandatory staff meetings in which employees were intimidated, and told workers the hospital would close if they voted for union membership.