Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

Delegate Conference is the most powerful decision-making body in the union. Over a day and a half, MU members from across the UK come together to hold the union accountable for its work so far and decide what the union will do next.

That second part is key. What do you want your union to do for you? Is there an issue you want the union to campaign for? Is there one thing that would really help you as a working musician that the collective power of the MU can make happen? If the answer to any of those is yes, then Delegate Conference is for you.

Make MU policy

There are two main ways to get involved. The first is to submit a motion asking for something.

To do that, you’ll need at least five members from the same Region as you to support your motion, which then goes to your Regional Committee who review and accept, reject or amend it.

Accepted motions are published, and then a group of staff and members called the Standing Orders Committee look at them to make sure they fit the format – if your motion doesn’t, they suggest changes to make sure your motion can go to Conference.

Then, at Delegate Conference, members in the room debate and vote on your motion. If your motion passes, you’ve made MU policy.

Not sure how to write a motion? Look out for more information on how to write motions next week.

Be the person in the room

Being a delegate gets you in the room when big decisions are made, and gives you the chance to take part in debates and vote on motions.

If public speaking is not your thing, that’s okay. There’s a lot more to being a delegate than that. In the run up to Delegate Conference, there will be opportunities to have your say on motions and help decide how your regional delegation will vote.

You’ll also have the chance to hear from guest speakers, including political and industry leaders, on topical issues. Plus MU staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss any access needs every step of the way.

Delegate Conference has real power and impact

Thanks to members who got involved in MU Delegate Conference 2021:

• The union is campaigning for a Universal Basic Income and the promotion of music education
• The MU’s maternity and parental grants were expanded to offer per child grants in the case of multiple births or adoptions, and the language used in the form was updated to be more inclusive
• The Executive Committee pledged to make sustainability one of its primary aims, working with partners like Music Declares Emergency to do what the union can to help deal with the climate emergency

Find out more

While Conference itself isn’t until July, things kick off in December with a call for motions and delegates in The Musician magazine. Look out for more information via email and in The Musician magazine over the next few weeks and months.