A WORKERS’ union say they were gagged by councillors in a committee meeting for trying to defend theatre staff.

Unison regional director Stephanie Cesana attended Dartford Council’s scrutiny committee meeting on July 19 to respond to an Orchard Theatre annual report.

The union, which represents ushers, administrators, box office and stage door staff has been in dispute with the theatre in Home Gardens, since it was privatised last year.

And while the Orchard’s manager, Andy Hill, said Unison embarked on a “campaign” against them, and called their claims “vexatious”, Ms Cesana says she was silenced when five councillors to four voted against her speaking.

She said: “There have been ongoing issues ever since HQ Theatres took over. Since then there have been two restructures and each time there are issues we need to pick up on.

“There have been a number of dismissals, and we have pursued employment tribunals – some successful, others not.

“We only pursue claims when a member is unfairly treated.”

Unison says it is currently involved with 30 Orchard employees who have been made redundant, replaced with volunteers, or denied access to pensions or holiday pay.

Ms Cesana, who is asking the council to withdraw Mr Hill’s comments, added: “It was very odd. It caused quite a bit of heated discussion – probably more than they have ever had at a scrutiny committee.”

Orchard Theatre declined to comment.

Chairman of the scrutiny committee, Cllr Geoff Prout, said: "I did invite Unison to speak at the meeting as I thought that they deserved the right to reply to a subjective comment in a report relating to the restructuring at the Orchard Theatre.

"They were not heard following a vote in the committee.

"The objections were based on the argument that invitations to speak have to be notified 16 days in advance, but given that the offending comments were only made public three working days before the meeting this was impossible.

"Overall I was very disappointed that Unison was not heard as I believe in natural justice and the right to reply, especially when written comments are controversial and where no justification has been offered for them."

Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite, said: “I kept faith with Geoff Prout and asked him to chair the scrutiny committee even though the Labour party held on to the post when they last ran the council.

“Councillor Prout's chairing of the meeting created considerable chaos and confusion and led to many of those in attendance feeling angry and upset.

“I understand that his conduct may yet be referred to the standards committee but I hope he will do the right thing and apologise and commit himself to proper conduct in the future.

“On a day when The Orchard was able to reveal a fantastic set of artistic and financial results it is a great shame that the very Councillors who left it on the brink of bankruptcy and closure wanted only to talk about a trade union dispute."