The MU’s motion focused on arts and entertainment workers’ rights post Brexit.
Over two days, delegates discussed Brexit, equal pay and other issues affecting young trade union members.
Our motion focused on Brexit
The MU’s motion focused on arts and entertainment workers’ rights post Brexit. Access to work in the European Union (EU) is more important than ever.
Any limit on freedom of movement – for example visa fees, visa waiver costs or carnets – will make it harder for musicians to earn a living from touring and performing.
And any restrictions on access to EU markets will also undermine musicians’ ability to make money from selling their music and merchandise.
Only 2% of musicians think Brexit will have a positive impact on their work, according to UK Music data.
That’s why we called on TUC Young Workers’ Conference to ask the TUC to fight any potential limit to freedom of movement for arts and entertainment workers working in the EU post-Brexit, and lobby Government to ensure that self-employed workers have continued access to the EU market.
The motion passed and we would like to thank all the delegates who spoke in support of and voted for the motion, including PCS, Unison and CWU.
Some controversy
Staying in the EU is the best option for musicians. But not all trade unions agree.
Young members from Unite asked the MU to withdraw the motion, and members from RMT asked Conference to vote against it. It’s not surprising given that RMT supported the Leave campaign.
But wherever you are on the political spectrum, protecting all workers’ rights is just common sense. In fact, our call for a touring visa for musicians post-Brexit has attracted support from both sides of the House of Commons.
Arts funding
Brexit also puts arts funding at risk, and the MU delegation was proud to support Equity’s motion calling for its protection – “What cuts to the arts means is that we end up with arts only for the elites,” said Sam.
Solidarity with Christchurch
A minute’s silence was held in memory of those affected by the Christchurch attack the week before.
“Islamophobia is without question a pernicious form of racism that seeks to dehumanise human beings in order to legitimise their oppression,” said a statement by the TUC Young Workers’ Forum, the TUC committee for young workers across the trade union movement.
“Islamophobia has no place in civilisation and the trade union movement will actively oppose it at all avenues. The Young Workers Forum is committed to defending Muslim communities & opposing Islamophobia,” it continued.
Get involved
Are you an MU member aged 30 or under, and interested in getting more involved in MU campaigns? Contact Campaigns & Social Media Official Maddy Radcliff via maddy.radcliff@theMU.org.
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