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Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions: Join the MU and Others for a Free Event in Bradford

Discover the vital role of trade unions in the cultural and creative industries - with expert advice from the MU, Equity, Bectu, and more, at this free event on 3 June for freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire.

Photo ofPaul Reed
By Paul Reed Published: 16 May 2025 | 6:33 PM
Event asset with two fists, Black and White, raised in the air representing unity. The text says:
The free event is aimed at freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire in the creative sector. Photo: © Bradford Producing Hub.

Taking place on 3 June, at the Main Hall at Kala Sangam between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, ‘Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions’ is aimed at freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire in sectors including music, visual arts, theatre, film, broadcast, journalism, museums and galleries.

The session brings together key sister unions including the MU, EquityBectuArtists’ Union EnglandNational Union of Journalists, and  The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.

Get one-to-one advice sessions, attend a roundtable discussion and more

The event has been convened around Bradford 2025 City of Culture and will cover:

  • what a trade union is, and which unions represent creative and cultural workers
  • how joining a trade union can make a difference
  • the benefits of union membership
  • understanding contracts and working together to take collective action.

Attendees will learn about the trade union most relevant to them and their work, and there will be short presentations from each union, followed by a roundtable discussion and an opportunity for one-to-one advice sessions.

The event is entirely free to attend, find out more and book your place.

The MU recently signed an MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture, aiming to ensure that creative workers engaged in the programme will receive decent pay and conditions.

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Make a change in your local area or within your music sector, or to be part of the governing body of the union. Get involved with the Musicians' Union's work.

Members can get involved and shape the future of music through the MU's democratic structures.

There are many ways to get involved 

and much more.

Shape MU policy

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

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