SEASIDE HEIGHTS, New Jersey - Crews from Huntsville Utilities and Decatur Utilities are among many that made their way to the hurricane-ravaged East Coast only to be turned away in New Jersey, according to a WAFF 48 News report.

Derrick Moore, one of the Decatur workers, told the North Alabama station they were told by crews in New Jersey that since they are not union employees, they are not allowed to work.

Moore told the station they're frustrated being told "thanks, but no thanks."

New Jersey's loss is New York's gain. According to the report, the Huntsville crew is instead headed to Long Island to assist.

Update: Huntsville, Joe Wheeler utilities deny claims of union discrimination during Sandy response