Verizon Wireless took out full-page advertisements in Utah's largest daily newspapers with the headline, "Congressman Matheson: You're wrong. Verizon Wireless is a great place to work."

Matheson joined 102 other Democrats in Congress in signing a letter last month saying, "We are troubled by what appears to be a corporate-sponsored policy of union avoidance at Verizon Wireless."

The letter alleges retaliatory discipline of workers attempting to organize, supervisory threats, surveillance and interrogation of union supporters among other allegations.

The company said the letter "leveled inaccurate charges," without any "credible supporting evidence."

While the parent Verizon Communications company has more than 100,000 union members, Verizon Wireless does not have any, according to spokesman Bob Kelley. But he says the decision to unionize rests "squarely with our employees."

Kelley said the company took out the ads to inform the public and employees that the letter signed by Matheson is filled with inaccuracies.

Matheson spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend says the congressman was given the letter and agreed with its statement. "I think this is a bit of an overreaction by Verizon," Heyrend said, noting that Matheson stands by the letter.

tburr@sltrib.com