Maritime Union says port security plans will be resisted unless concerns addressed

The Maritime Union says it will resist the Government's port security plans unless workers rights and civil liberties are guaranteed.

The Minister for Port Security Harry Duynhoven gave the keynote speech at the inaugural triennial conference of the Maritime Union in Wellington this morning.

The Maritime Union welcomed Mr Duynhoven's comments, but have been quick to point out the Union will not accept any port security measures that harm workers.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the port security plans will provide employers with the powers to vet, search and detain workers at will.

He says the Maritime Union will actively resist port security measures unless workers concerns are addressed.

"If the Government wants to get port security, it needs to listen to the workers on the coalface."

Mr Hanson says a remit passed at today's conference demands the Government introduce a national register of bona fide waterfront workers and seafarers.

He says this will ensure a fair and effective solution to workers concerns.

"Our concerns are echoed by our international delegates from Australia and the United States who have told the conference they face similar problems in their home ports."

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