A little fact vs. fiction is needed in the latest right-wing smear against SEIU.

Fiction: An SEIU local is filing a grievance against the city of Allentown, PA because a Boy Scout cleaned a local hiking trail.

Fact: There is no fact to this claim being pushed by the disreputable Fox News and other right-wing outlets like Michelle Malkin's accuracy challenged blog.

Fiction: Nick Balzano, who unfortunately provided the initial response to queries on the matter, is the president of SEIU or an SEIU local.

Fact: Nick Balzano is with the Allentown chapter of SEIU Local 32BJ and is NOT the president of the local or the International. Indeed, his comments were completely unauthorized and inappropriate.

Fiction: SEIU is picking a fight with the Boy Scouts of America

Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. SEIU has a history of supporting the Boy Scouts. Indeed, just last year SEIU 1199 President George Gresham was honored by the Greater Boy Scouts of New York.

Fact: SEIU has apologized to Mayor of Allentown for this misunderstanding and is in the process of getting in contact with the Allentown Boy Scouts of America Council to apologize to scout as well.

Fact: While Nick Balzano misspoke in his exchange with a reporter, his frustration over the recently laid off workers in Allentown is a sentiment shared by families all around Pennsylvania and this country. In the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton Metropolitan Statistical Area, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate 9.5%, up from 5.9% just one year ago.

SEIU 32BJ will continue its ongoing efforts to find these men and women jobs to support their families during the upcoming Holiday season and beyond.