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Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024 | 4:21 PM Updated: 12 September 2024 | 2:50 PM
Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.
72% of musicians who used to work regularly in Europe have had their income decline from working in the EU. Image credit: the MU.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

The motion also calls on the TUC to campaign for progress on reducing trade barriers and streamlining processes for the cross-border movement of workers and equipment.

UK musicians should be able to make a living touring in Europe

Speaking in support of the motion, moved by Prospect, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “We recently ran a survey of musicians who used to work regularly in Europe. 72% of them had their income decline from working in the EU and 75% of them said that bookings have also decreased as a result of Brexit.

“This is about renegotiating an agreement to get a better deal for workers, to get better pay for workers and better conditions for workers, which is obviously a fundamental principle of the trade union movement... It's about trying to get a better deal that will enable our members to make a living touring in Europe once again.”

Supporting musicians working in the EU

The ability to travel and work freely and easily in the EU is of paramount importance to UK musicians.

Explore all the Union’s advice and support in our Working in the EU advice hub, including:

  • An interactive flowchart guide to what documentation you may need
  • Member only guidance on entry and exit systems, Schengen, and transporting merch and commercial goods
  • Member discounts on carnets.

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

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