Our delegation marched with the Union’s banner through the city centre. Photo: The MU.
Organised by Leeds Trades Union Council, the annual May Day march brings together trade unionists, campaigners and community groups to celebrate workers’ rights and trade union solidarity. This year’s event, held in partnership with Stand Up To Racism, focused on anti-racist unity and opposition to the far right.
Our MU delegation assembled outside Leeds Art Gallery and marched with the Union’s banner through the city centre. Sashwati Sengupta, Vice Chair of the MU’s North of England Regional Committee, spoke at the event alongside Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), local MPs and representatives from other trade unions.
Addressing the crowd, Sashwati (pictured below) delivered a powerful speech focused on anti-racist unity, which was the central theme of this year’s event.
She highlighted the experiences of musicians and music industry workers, drawing on findings from Black Lives in Music and noting that 63% of Black music creators and 73% of Black industry professionals have experienced racism in the workplace.
The speech also highlighted the launch of the MU’s Anti Far Right Hub, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to tackling discrimination and supporting members.
Standing together against racism and the far right
The event builds on a series of recent anti-fascist activities involving MU members, including demonstrations in Manchester, Liverpool and the Together Alliance march in London.
Later in the day, several staff and MU members then visited the excellent ‘Music Leeds Us’ exhibition at Leeds City Museum, celebrating 60 years of music in Leeds.