MU Member Wins Trades Union Congress Activism Award

Originally from Cornwall, Lynn is a horn player specialising in orchestral playing, chamber and community music. She is also an active and committed trade unionist, winning the TUC Youth Award at Congress 2026 for her work supporting orchestra musicians and equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

As MU Steward at Sinfonia Cymru, a freelance ensemble for musicians under 30, she has increased union membership in Wales. She also helped achieve annualised contracts and a pay increase for visiting music teachers at Ealing Music Service in her role as MU Education Rep.

It follows her time as MU Steward for the Nevis Ensemble, where she worked with the Union to support 17 members through redundancy claims as the orchestra went into administration. The Union was able to secure around £47,000 for those members.

Championing representation and empowering musicians to create change

Lynn's work on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee has helped improve conditions for musicians UK-wide. Representing the MU at TUC LGBT+ Conference and chairing meetings of the MU's LGBT+ Members Network, her work has focused on championing representation in choices around performers and programming.

She is also an active member of the union's Climate Emergency Action Group, which has published a manifesto outlining how musicians can respond to the climate crisis with collective strength, alongside advice and resources for members seeking to enact change through their own work.

Exemplary commitment to the MU community

Celebrating the win, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: "Huge congratulations to Lynn from everyone at the MU! From supporting members through a collective grievance to sharing her experiences with other members, Lynn's commitment to the community of musicians is exemplary. We look forward to continuing our work for fair treatment for young workers, and to help everyone play their part in tackling the climate emergency, into 2027."