skip to main content

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.

Be a changemaker

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 Section or a Section Commitee.

Learn more

Get involved with live performance issues across the UK

Continue reading

Members and visitors to last year's MU stall at the festival, holding instruments and banners.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

The MU returns to Derby Silk Mill Festival on Saturday 7 June. This landmark event celebrates the Midlands Labour movement – uniting people in honour of past struggles and present-day solidarity with marches, talks and activities for the whole family.

Published: 02 June 2025

Read more about Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025
Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Read more about MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban
Women trade unionists and activists holding banners and flags as they parade down the street.

MU to Attend Women Chainmakers’ Festival ‘25

The annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival is a family friendly event in Cradley Heath on 28 June, bringing together trade unions and community groups to celebrate the success of women in the workplace.

Published: 14 May 2025

Read more about MU to Attend Women Chainmakers’ Festival ‘25
Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

Read more about Tribute to Leon Slater