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MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

We’re asking MU members to support a petition highlighting the exploitation of workers at the world-famous venue Rock City in Nottingham.

Published: 18 June 2025 | 3:26 PM
Close up exterior of the venue with steps to the entrance with a big sign saying 'Rock City - established in 1980'.
We're asking MU members to support the campaign by signing and sharing the petition. Photo: Shutterstock.

Staff at the iconic Nottingham music venue, Rock City, are unionising. Dozens of young, precariously employed zero-hour workers at the world-famous venue have made the brave and determined decision to campaign for a union voice at work — no small feat.

Workers have raised serious concerns about a wide range of workplace issues, including health and safety, sexual harassment, bullying, and overall working conditions.

Despite a request to meet with representatives from Unite the Union, DHP Family — the UK entertainment company that owns Rock City — has refused to engage in meaningful dialogue, enter recognition talks, or acknowledge the collective nature of these grievances.

As a result, staff and Unite are escalating to a full union campaign, with support from the wider music community in the region.

We are calling on MU members to show solidarity: please sign and share the petition to support Rock City workers in their fight for fair treatment and union recognition.

Find out more and sign the petition.

Get involved with live performance issues across the UK

The MU is a democratic organisation and we are always looking for new voices within our member community.

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Have your say on live performance issues across the UK, such as international touring issues, festivals, street busking, parking in city centres, and sexual harassment.  

If you are a live performer, gigging musician in a band or a busker, join our Live Performance Sector or an Advisory Board.

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