Elizabeth (right) and Noriko (centre) representing the MU on FIM’s Overcoming Barriers and Discrimination panel. Photo: James Norman.
Following an opening keynote speech by MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, the first panel of FIM's Internatinal Freelance Conference explored ‘Pay and Conditions, Collective Bargaining and Promulgated Rates’.
Chaired by Naomi, the discussion brought together Alistair Elliott from Canada and Juho Viljanen from Finland, who shared insights into collective bargaining and musicians' working conditions in their respective countries.
During the discussion, Naomi highlighted the MU's Fix Streaming campaign and the Union's work to build public pressure on record labels to improve the streaming economy for musicians.
Alistair spoke about the Human Made, Human Paid campaign recently launched by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), while Juho reflected on successful engagement between the Swedish Musicians' Union and festival organisers to improve outcomes for musicians. The session concluded with questions from delegates.
Building power through freelance organising
Later in the day, MU Campaigning and Organising Official Sinéad McCarney joined Beat Santschi, FIM Vice President, and moderator Rochelle Skolnick from the United States for a panel exploring ‘Union Organising of Freelance Musicians’.
Panellists discussed the unique challenges of organising freelance workers and how unions can adapt traditional organising approaches to meet their needs.
Drawing on her experience at the MU, Sinéad spoke about the importance of organising training and creating opportunities for members to come together, build connections and develop collective power.
She explained that unlike traditional workplace organising, freelancers are often dispersed and can feel isolated, and that creating spaces where members can meet, share experiences and support one another is a vital part of building a strong union.
Sinéad also reflected on the MU's work responding to crises, including recent campaigns at Welsh National Opera and busking in Westminster. She explained how organising and campaigning often go hand in hand, helping members gain confidence, strengthen solidarity and become active participants in shaping change.
The panel also explored ways unions can engage freelance workers who may have little prior experience of trade unions, as well as the role of education, outreach and grassroots organising in supporting future generations of musicians.
Questions from delegates focused on overcoming barriers to engagement and developing effective organising strategies in an increasingly freelance workforce.
Addressing barriers and discrimination
The day concluded with a panel on ‘Overcoming Barriers and Discrimination’, bringing together MU members Noriko Tsuzaki and Elizabeth Birch alongside Karine Huet (France) and Cathrine Nyheim (Norway). The discussion was moderated by Irene Monterroso from Costa Rica.
Drawing on experience from across different countries and sectors of the music industry, panellists explored the barriers that musicians continue to face throughout their careers and shared perspectives on tackling discrimination and creating a more inclusive profession.
The conversation provided delegates with an opportunity to compare approaches from different countries and consider how unions can help drive positive change for musicians worldwide.