About the MU

The Musicians' Union brings together musicians to:

Protect and empower members

• To work with and advise members on all aspects of the music profession
• To challenge poor industry practices
• To protect members’ health and well-being and provide assistance in times of need
• To foster an appreciation for the role of music education in shaping the music industry of the future

Maximise work and income

• To negotiate agreements with employers, engagers and music users that maximise work and income for members
• To empower and assist members to achieve better pay and conditions throughout their career
• To campaign for changes to industry which will increase parity, work opportunities and income for members

Encourage activism

• To encourage a sense of community and build solidarity amongst members and active support for one another
• To encourage activism amongst members and participation in the decision-making processes of the Union

Amplify members’ voices

• To publicise music as a profession and its value to society
• To consult members on the work of the Union and always act in their best interests
• To campaign and lobby central and local government, and devolved administrations, on issues relevant to musicians
• To increase the profile of the Union within the music industry, the trade union movement and the general public

Improve inclusivity, diversity and representation

• To actively oppose all forms of harassment, prejudice, discrimination and unfairness
• To encourage inclusivity, diversity and representation
• To highlight best practices and publicly challenge entrenched attitudes

Grow our community

• To recruit and retain all those who would benefit from being organised or using our services
• To ensure services, benefits and activities meet the needs of members in all UK nations and regions and are equally accessible to all
• To build relationships with individuals and organisations which further the Union’s aims

Be an agile, sustainable, modern union

• To keep pace with technological advances, ensuring members receive a modern, effective and efficient service
• To consider our impact on the environment and actively campaign for and work towards a greener music industry
• To manage finances responsibly and achieve the best possible value for members

Our core values as a collective are:

• Community - every member is part of a community of over 35,000 musicians
• Solidarity - we stick together and support each other
• Democracy - every member has a say and that's what makes us strong
• Equality - levelling the playing field, enabling all musicians to do their job
• Inclusivity - valuing and respecting our differences as our strength
• Justice - giving members access to justice at work
• Fairness - resetting the balance of power
• Independence - we're here for our members - no ulterior motive, no agenda

At the Musicians' Union we aim to work with:

Dedication

• Care about the reputation of the Union
• Take ownership of issues
• Dedicated to improving my skills and knowledge
• Being passionate about supporting members

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maximise efficiency and achieve the best outcomes for members
• Communicate clearly and regularly with colleagues and members
• Build relationships with external parties to strengthen the reputation of the Union
• Being flexible and adaptable to the needs of the organisation and its members

Honesty and transparency

• Provide members with clarity and transparency in all communication
• Being honest with colleagues and members
• Being open to change and learning

Respect 

• Treat colleagues, members and industry counterparts with dignity and respect
• Being positive, reliable and professional
• Being inclusive and understanding of the needs of others

Care and support

• Contribute to a culture of solidarity and active support for colleagues and members
• Positively impact the wellbeing of colleagues and members

Trust

• Trust in the knowledge and expertise of colleagues