Heart Unions Week: “Being involved in the Musicians' Union means that my voice is heard”

To celebrate Heart Unions Week, we asked MU members what the Union means to them. Share the love using the hashtag #HeartUnions

This Heart Unions Week, Nickie Dixon, MU member and Double Bassist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, shares her thoughts on what the Musicians’ Union means to her…

“I work in a large ensemble and I am one of many musicians. I am not a line manager so being involved in the Musicians' Union means that my voice is heard. We have recently had some very protracted contract negotiations and were it not for the negotiating ability of the Union, the players would be in a less favourable position regarding their contract. 

“I have become more active within the Union and find it invaluable to be able to compare notes with other musicians nationally, whether a Health and Safety issue, point of contract or simply sharing good practice.

“A colleague has had some difficult personal circumstances to deal with recently and she has called upon Orchestra Stewards and her Regional Office for help, advice and support. Being able to liaise with management over a compassionate issue has been invaluable to her.

“I know how much I value being a part of a bigger, national organisation so that I can call upon the vast knowledge and experience that the Union has to offer all of its members.”

Get involved!

Have you told friends and colleagues about the MU and why they should join?

Here are some more ways to share the love this Heart Unions Week:

• Tweet us at @WeAreTheMU about how the MU has helped you. Use the hashtag #HeartUnions. 
• Share a selfie with the Heart Unions poster using the hashtag #HeartUnions.
• Be sure your voice is heard. There lots of ways to get active in the MU from attending events to joining one of the MU’s many committees and taking part in the Union’s democracy. Find out what you can do, starting now.  

Find out more about our Orchestral Department and the work they do.