Returning wharfies faced with surveillance

Unionised workers returning to the Ports of Auckland following a lengthy lockout have been faced with security guards in their lunchrooms and cameras around the workplace.

They returned to work last week, but found there was a ban on wearing any union-related item.

It comes as Ports management admits they released personal details of a wharfie who spoke out during the bitter dispute.

Labour MP Darien Fenton says both incidents are designed to intimidate workers, and she finds it absolutely incredible.

"Security cameras on their machines so they're being watched 24 hours a day, but even with security guards in the lunchroom, I mean that is extreme. All the way through the Ports dispute we did see a lot of use of security guards and I'd love to see the costs."

The Ports have apologised for causing any distress in releasing the personal details of wharfie Cecil Walker.

Ports of Auckland insists it's already discussed health and safety and security with the Maritime Union.

The Council of Trade Unions claims the port has employed security guards to watch over union members in staff rooms and installed cameras in equipment.

Both parties are currently in mediation.

A ports company spokeswoman says CTU president Helen Kelly is attempting to deflect attention away from the real issues and should instead be focused on today's mediation.

She says health and safety and security issues were discussed with union representatives prior to their return to work last week.