Heart Unions Week celebrates the work of trades union in the UK, the work unions do and the role unions play in people’s daily lives. To mark it, we asked Musicians’ Union (MU) members why they love the MU and what being part of their Union means to them…
"In an industry so often geared towards competition, being a part of the MU reminds me I'm not alone in what I do, that I'm part of a huge interconnected, exuberant and often deeply radical sector where working together can take us all forwards, not just a fortunate few. Music has always been a social art form, a shared experience - that's why the Union is so important" – Louis Barabbas, Live Performance Section Committee Member.
“Being a member of the MU is your chance to be directly part of a governing body and help create change for the better. There’s so much more to the MU than the diary, and it is time you discovered what the MU can offer you” – Natalie Witts, Theatre Section Committee Member.
“I'm in the MU because it is vital that musicians work together, listen together and campaign together for a better future for our art and profession. The MU has helped me with difficult contracts, excellent CPD training, chasing fees, and lobbying parliament to ensure musicians' views are represented with one strong voice. Thank you MU” – Rachael Parvin, Teachers Section Committee
Feeling inspired?
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.
You can also attend one of the many events across England and Wales. Find out more.