Yellowknife (Apr 19/06) - A union representing striking workers at the Ekati diamond mine is accusing the company's security firm of stalking picketers and their wives.

The Union of Northern Workers issued a press release Friday, saying its receiving reports of "people being followed around Yellowknife and even to their personal residences late at night."

Union president Todd Parsons said he couldn't recall the name of the security firm working for BHP Billiton, which owns the mine, but said it was the same company hired by Telus Corporation during a labour dispute in B.C. last year.

That company was Accufax International Group, a company previously accused by labour organizations of specializing in strike-breaking tactics. A call to Accufax was not returned by deadline.

"What I can say is that members of the union are being followed home by the security force," said Parsons.

"Their wives, as well as members."

Parsons said they've recognized several vehicles at picketing sites and elsewhere in recent days as belonging to the security firm.

On Thursday night, one such vehicle followed a person to their house, said Parsons.

He said the union is advising members to call police if they're feeling harassed or intimidated.

On Friday, Deana Twissell, a BHP spokesperson, said it was the first she has heard of the union's claim that the company's security force was stalking strikers.

"That kind of conduct would be against Ekati's values," said Twissell.

"Any individual experiencing any form of harassment should go to RCMP and report their complaint."

Twissell wouldn't say which security firm is working for the company, or how large its presence is in Yellowknife.

The 10-day old strike has witnessed allegations of harassment from both sides of the picket line.

Last week, BHP accused the union of harassing workers who stayed on the job with threatening phone calls at home.

Parsons admitted phone calls were made, but denied workers were being harassed. He said the calls were only to encourage line crossing members to return to the union.

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, sent out a press release last week encouraging both parties to refrain from intimidation tactics as long as the strike exists, although the emphasis was on union activities, not BHP's.

Chamber president Steve Meister stated that his group has received complaints from companies and contractors doing business with BHP of being harassed by union members.

"We request that both parties negotiating be cognizant of the fact that this has wide-reaching adverse implications for employees and employers in Yellowknife and across the North," said Meister.