A LEADING trade union has been accused of imposing "heavy-handed big brother censorship" on freedom of speech.

A monthly newsletter was withdrawn by UNISON bosses because it was critical of its actions, it has been claimed.

UNISON chiefs, though, say that the letters page has been revised, not censored.

But this has angered some members and an anonymous letter and pirate copy of the newsletter was left at the BEN.

It is understood that the disagreement follows a letter from 25 people set to be printed accusing UNISON of keeping people in the dark about details of a proposed council house transfer to an independent company.

"One of the letters may be critical of the union, but free speech and healthy debate should be encouraged within the union," said the letter to the BEN.

"The newsletter states, ironically enough, that 'your views are welcome'.

"It also has a disclaimer in every issue that states the views expressed are not necessarily UNISON policy.

"Many members are furious. They have now signed petitions insisting that the newsletter goes out."

UNISON's regional officer, Jim Moodie, said he had not seen such a petition.

"There has been no censorship. There is a revised version of the newsletter because we have looked at the contents of a particular page," explained Mr Moodie.

"We are not saying it would or would not bring the union into disrepute. If anyone wants to get their views heard they should be letting the union know and doing it through the proper channels, not seeking publicity."

It is not known whether the letter, which is not on the revised copy of the newsletter, will be printed in the future.