MU Delegates Call for Action on Harassment in Music at STUC Women's Conference 2026

The 99th Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women's Conference took place in Dundee's Caird Hall on 21-22 October 2026, bringing together women trade unionists from across Scotland to debate and shape policy on issues affecting women at work and in society.

The MU was represented by first-time delegate Wendy Gudgin, a member of the MU Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Committee and Regional Officer Louise Stanners Pow. For both delegates, it was a valuable opportunity to participate in a conference that has played an important role in amplifying women's voices within the Scottish trade union movement for almost a century.

Across two days, delegates debated motions covering workplace equality, women's health, violence against women and girls, public services, education and international issues. Conference also considered four emergency motions addressing workplace closures, public sector reform, NHS reform and support for women's services.

Ending harassment in Scottish music

A key moment for the MU came when Wendy Gudgin moved motion 24, "End Harassment in Scottish Music", on behalf of the MU.

The motion highlighted evidence showing the scale of gender-based harassment and violence within Scotland's music industries. Drawing on recent research into Scotland's folk music scene, it noted that 81% of respondents surveyed had experienced some form of sexual violence or harassment while participating in the sector. It also recognised that harassment is not confined to one genre or scene and continues to be reported across the wider music industry.

The motion called on the STUC Women's Committee to lobby for Fair Work principles and safety standards to be embedded within public cultural funding, support stronger protections against the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and work alongside creative unions and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) to improve standards across Scotland's creative and cultural sectors.

Speaking in support of the motion, Wendy highlighted how the freelance nature of music work can leave many workers without the protections available in more traditional workplaces. She told delegates:

"Women in the music industry have had careers derailed, opportunities withdrawn, and their lives profoundly affected by those who have never faced the consequences of their actions."

‘Freelance and Forgotten’

Wendy’s speech also drew attention to findings from the Fair Work and Culture Taskforce's Freelance and Forgotten report, which identified widespread exploitation across Scotland's creative industries, including bullying, harassment, unpaid work and barriers to raising concerns.

Wendy argued that Fair Work principles are essential to tackling these issues and called for stronger protections for freelance workers. She also welcomed the establishment of CIISA as an important step towards improving accountability and driving culture change across the creative industries.

Addressing the misuse of NDAs, she stressed the need for legislation that fully protects freelancers and precarious workers, stating: "Harassment is not the price women should have to pay to work in music."

The motion was carried unanimously.

100 years of women’s voices

Many of the debates reflected common concerns around equality, safety and dignity at work.

Motions addressed issues including strengthening protection from workplace harassment, improving support for survivors of domestic abuse, tackling the gender pension gap, addressing gender bias in healthcare, improving childcare provision, supporting women returning to work after parenthood and making workplaces more responsive to menopause and perimenopause.

Delegates also debated motions focused on misogyny, digital abuse, violence against women and girls, women's safety in public spaces and transport, and the continuing need for action to address workplace inequality.

As conference approaches its centenary year, there was also an opportunity to reflect on the contribution women trade unionists have made to securing progress on workplace rights and equality over the last century. Motion 20, "100 Years of Women's Voices", recognised the role of the STUC Women's Conference in providing a dedicated space for women workers to organise, debate and influence change.

Building solidarity across unions

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to hear directly from women working across a wide range of sectors and industries.

From healthcare and education to transport, manufacturing and the creative industries, delegates shared experiences of workplace challenges while identifying common priorities around equality, safety, fair treatment and access to quality public services.

The conference also demonstrated the importance of collective action and trade union solidarity in addressing issues that affect women workers across Scotland.

For the MU, the successful passing of the "End Harassment in Scottish Music" motion means the Union's concerns about harassment, exploitation and inequality within the music industry are now part of the wider STUC Women's Conference programme of work.

As Wendy concluded in her speech: "Let's change the culture in our culture."

The MU looks forward to continuing this work with the STUC, affiliated unions and partners across the creative industries to help create a safer, fairer and more inclusive music sector for everyone.