This year’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) Black Workers’ Conference was held at Congress House in London on 11-13 April.
Four delegates from the MU attended: Vernon Fuller from the MU Executive Committee, Gary Falconer from the MU ED&I Committee, Cecilia Morgan, and MU Communications Officer Aayushi Jain.
The MU’s motion on tackling far right extremism, following the UK racist riots that took place in August 2024, was combined with motions from fellow unions Equity, Unison, Prospect and NASUWT.
It became a composite motion on ‘Anti-Racism Campaigning and Challenging the Rise of the Far Right’, which was passed unanimously.
MU delegates from left to right: Vernon Fuller, Gary Falconer, Cecilia Morgan, Aayushi Jain. Image credit: the MU.
“Last summer our lives were turned upside down”
MU delegate Gary Falconer gave a supporting speech, highlighting the severe impact that the riots following the 2024 Southport attack had on marginalised communities.
“Last summer our lives were turned upside down by rampaging mobs smashing up places of worship, vandalising people’s hard-earned businesses and dragging people of colour from their vehicles at makeshift roadblock and beating them. Our children were terrified to play in the street and their own garden all summer.
“This is unacceptable, and we must fight back. This is an existential struggle against racism, and we must win, or our children and communities will pay the price.”
No-one should have to cancel work for fear of their safety
He also highlighted the effect it had on musicians, particularly freelancers, who couldn’t work because their safety couldn’t be guaranteed: “I and others had gigs, events and performances cancelled because event organisers feared attacks by far-right thugs."
As a mostly freelance sector, there is no financial support for musicians who can't work because of racism and the risk it poses to their health and safety.
The motion asked the TUC to lobby Government to introduce Statutory Sick Pay for freelancers, and to reform the Prevent Strategy so that it better tackles far right extremism and doesn't disproportionately target some communities.
MU delegate Gary Falconer speaking in support of our composite motion at TUC Black Workers' Conference 2025. Image credit: the MU.
To tackle the far right we must have a collective, anti-racist approach
The riots are a reminder of the continued need to address racism and counter far right narratives across the trade union movement, equipping reps and activists with the tools to build strong, cohesive workplaces that protect our diverse communities rather than divide them.
The composite motion called on the TUC to:
- Compel all affiliates to put anti-racist and anti-fascist organising, campaigning and bargaining at the top of their agendas
- Develop training for reps and activists on workplace anti-racism organising and challenging far right ideologies
- Embed anti-racist education into every stage of education
- Signpost activists to mental health support services tailored for Black members affected by racial trauma and harassment
- Support the work of creative arts and culture trade unions in championing inclusion and diversity
- Call on broadcasters, commissioners and arts funding bodies to invest in mid-career skills and training to support the progression of Black and minority ethnic professionals in non-performing roles
Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign
Our motion also called on the TUC to support and promote Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR), a campaign that uses the power of music to promote unity and diversity through education and events across the UK.
Members can get involved by initiating more Love Music Hate Racism shows, performing at pre-existing events, promoting the campaign through your existing events and workspaces and turning out to challenge the far-right at counter-demonstrations.
To get involved with local events and campaigns, view upcoming dates on the LMHR website.
Join our Equality Member Networks
MU members from Global Majority backgrounds can join our Musicians Who Experience Racism network.
This is a space where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect, network and make positive change across the music industry.
Sign up now