skip to main content

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

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Photo ofMaddy Radcliff
By Maddy Radcliff Published: 02 November 2022 | 5:06 PM Updated: 04 November 2022 | 3:27 PM
People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.
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. Photo credit: Musicians’ Union

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:

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.

Get support as a student musician through MU membership

Access expert music industry advice and services whether you are a music professional in full-time music education, an occasional gig player, a part-time recording artist or looking to kick-start your career as a musician.

Benefit from many member services

Join as a student 

or explore all our membership rates

Get support as a student musician through MU membership

Continue reading

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available