The MU is committed to improving the situation faced by music teachers, as well as campaigning for increased access to music education for all. Photo credit: Musicians’ Union
The MU joined a strike rally held by the University and College Union (UCU) in central London on 30 November to show our support for UCU members who have voted to strike over pay, working conditions and pensions.
The MU is a sister union of the UCU. We fully support the action being taken by UCU and felt it was important to attend the rally in solidarity with UCU and joint MU-UCU members.
Speakers at the rally included UCU general secretary Jo Grady, National Education Union (NEU) joint general secretary Kevin Courtney, and National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) general secretary Mick Lynch. All gave rousing speeches that highlighted pay freezes and declining living standards for workers while senior executive pay and private sector profits continue to rise.
It’s a situation that many of MU members working in education will recognise – stagnant or barely increasing pay amid huge cost-of-living increases.
The MU is committed to improving the situation faced by music teachers, as well as campaigning for increased access to music education for all. This year we worked with the Fabian Society on a new report addressing both these points, and we regularly hold the Government’s feet to the fire by scrutinising policy like the National Plan for Music Education.
Take advantage of our joint memberships
MU members who work in higher education should take advantage of our joint membership with the UCU to qualify to strike should you wish to do so. Please note that only UCU members can strike as part of the UCU’s balloted action.
Similarly, for MU members who work as classroom teachers, we offer joint membership with the NEU. Only NEU members can participate in NEU-balloted industrial action.
For more information on how the MU supports our members working in education, make sure you have signed up to the MU’s Education Section to receive the latest news updates.