skip to main content

Musicians’ Union to Attend Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be attending Trades Union Congress (TUC) Women’s Conference once again this Women’s History Month.

Published: 07 March 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Delegates from the MU will be raising the issue of sexual harassment in the music industry, and calling on the TUC to lobby Government to better protect freelancers and self-employed workers.

Full text of the motion

Since launching in 2017, the MU’s Safe Space Service has been inundated with reports of sexual harassment and discrimination. From orchestral players to music students the music industry is rife with abuses of power.

The industry has a high level of self-employed workers who don’t have access to the same protections or support mechanisms as employees. Consequently, self-employed musicians are in a vulnerable position and often don’t report incidents for fear of being blacklisted and loosing work.

We must end the toxic culture of silence in the music industry and create an environment where reporting is encouraged and people who experience sexual harassment and discrimination are supported.

Everyone in the workplace deserves to be protected from sexual harassment and discrimination.

Conference asks the TUC to lobby Government to:

  • Extend the time limit within which a harassment or discrimination claim must be lodged to at least 6 months
  • Extend the Equality Act 2010 definitions to include self-employed workers
  • Reintroduce third party harassment provisions, without the three strikes test
  • Reintroduce the use of statutory discrimination questionnaires
  • Regulate the use of NDAs so they are not used unethically in cases where sexual harassment is alleged

MU talks to Sky about #MeToo and music

Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl recently spoke to Sky News about the impact of #MeToo and ongoing court proceedings against R. Kelly.

“There’s a greater awareness now around the prevalence of sexual harassment in the music industry. So there are reports being made, and there are cases being investigated.

“But most of the time, it’s at a much lower level. It’s not so high profile and therefore it’s not really talked about.”

Safe Space

No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination on campus or at work.

If you have, whatever your role in the music industry, you can report it to us at safespace@theMU.org.

All emails are treated in the strictest confidence and no action will be taken on your behalf without your prior consent.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance