BANGOR, Maine (AP) Democratic leaders in Maine criticized MaineHealth on Tuesday for providing coronavirus vaccinations to out-of-state consultants hired to fight an effort to unionize nurses.

Gov. Janet Mills called the move “an inexcusable act.” Senate President Troy Jackson said vaccinating the consultants diverted vaccines from vulnerable Mainers.

“Every out-of-state consultant and lawyer that MaineHealth flew in as part of their intimidation campaign got the vaccine instead of someone’s grandparent or loved one,” Jackson said.

MaineHealth, the state’s largest health network, said in a statement that it vaccinated a small number of out-of-state individuals and “erred” in doing so.

Jeanne M. Lambrew, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, said the state would “continue to be more aggressive with our providers to make sure they are following our guidelines.”