“We would like to thank all of our Reps who attended negotiation meetings to present the view of our freelance members". Image credit: Shutterstock.
Following endorsement by the MU’s Executive Committee, the updated rates are now available online.
Improvements to the agreement
Improvements to the agreement include a 5% uplift on concert rates and ancillary payments.
The new agreement also includes an updated clause on the cost of accommodation, ensuring that the engager will cover costs above the allowances, where a musician was unable to find suitable accommodation at the point of confirmed booking, providing the musician brings this to the attention of the engager in a timely fashion.
To read the full clause, please see section 7 (a) of the agreement.
Comments received from members will help inform the next round of negotiations
Jo Laverty, MU National Organiser for Orchestras says: “We hope that members recognise the positive changes that have taken place in this round of negotiations under an incredibly challenging economic climate.
“We would like to thank all of our Reps who attended negotiation meetings to present the view of our freelance members. We recognise that there are still steps to make towards positive change in this agreement and the comments received from our members, will help inform the next round of negotiations with the ABO.
“We intend to start more in depth work on the agreement with ABO almost immediately now the headline pay offer on fees has been resolved."
Have you joined the MU’s Orchestra Section?
Any MU member who plays or intends to play with an orchestra as their main job or as a freelancer is invited to join the Orchestra Section.
Find out more and join the section