“While there is still a long way to go to achieve equality in the workplace, this is encouraging news.” Photo credit: Shutterstock
The MU has been actively tracking the number of women in West End bands since 2017, and is delighted to announce that it is currently at a record high of 27%.
Union membership density among women West End players is now 86%. A high membership density in a workplace gives the union a strong mandate to represent members and advocate on their behalf, and increases the union’s power.
Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman says: “While there is still a long way to go to achieve equality in the workplace, this is encouraging news for the West End and for the Musicians’ Union (MU).
“We are looking for members to join the MU West End Sub-Committee, which meets online to discuss issues affecting members working in the West End and to set a negotiating position for pay negotiations with SOLT. All members who have been a chairholder on a West End show since 28 October 2022 are invited to be part of it.”
Be part of the West End Sub-Committee
The MU West End Subcommittee meets via Zoom three or four times a year to discuss:
- Issues around the SOLT Agreement
- Pay negotiations and the union’s negotiating position
- Issues affecting employment in the West End.
Committee members may also be consulted by email in between meetings as and when issues arise.
“It can be a useful space for members to share notes about how they are treated on their respective shows,” says Regional Administrator Helen Cale.
How to get involved
It is vital that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee, and anyone who has been a chairholder on a West End show since the previous SOLT vote on 28 October 2022 is eligible to stand.
You must be nominated by another MU member whose membership is not in arrears at the time of nomination. If there are more than ten nominations, there will be a ballot; if that happens, the union will contact you with more information about next steps and guide you through the process.
To find out more or put yourself forward, please contact MU Regional Organiser for London Jamie Pullman via jamie.pullman@theMU.org with:
- Your name and membership number
- Name and membership number of the member nominating you
The deadline for nominations is 5:00 pm on Thursday 16 March.