‘AGM’ is short for Annual General Meeting. Lots of membership organisations have them, and trade unions are no exception. The MU traditionally holds them every year in September, and there are three main reasons why they matter.
Reason 1: it’s your opportunity to make things happen
At an AGM, a member can move a motion. That means a member can ask the MU to do something or make something Union policy.
If a motion has a seconder, that is another person in the room who agrees or believes it should be discussed, everyone in the room has to consider the issue.
And if enough people agree with the motion or think it is important the Union discusses it further, that motion is sent to the Union’s Executive Committee (EC) – the ultimate decision-making body of the Union. The EC works like a company board, if they agree with the motion, MU staff have to make it happen.
So if there is an issue you want us to campaign on, an area of the music industry that you want us to look into, or if there’s a problem you want the MU to act on, this is your chance to create real change.
Reason 2: find out what’s going on where you are
The MU’s AGMs are an opportunity for members from across each Region to come together, share thoughts and ideas and experiences, and talk about issues affecting them locally.
It could be a venue under threat, issues with an engager, changes to music education, or a new type of employment that doesn’t work for musicians.
This is your chance to find out what’s going on where you are and have your say on issues that could be affecting you.
Reason 3: you can stand for election and become a change maker yourself
The AGM is where members can nominate other members to be on their Regional Committee or the Executive Committee.
So whether you stand for one of the committees yourself or nominate a friend, this is your chance to get involved in the Union’s democracy and shape the future of who we are and what we do.
The more voices we have round the table, the better able we are to represent you.
Your AGM, your MU
Trade unions have power because of their members, and the MU is no exception.
Whether we’re lobbying for free movement post-Brexit, or helping a musician who was unfairly dismissed get their job back, our democratic structures means that everything we say and do has the power of 30,000 musicians behind it. Our AGMs are a vital part of that – from the issues you raise and discuss to standing for committees, your AGM is your opportunity to use your power.
Log in here to find details of your AGM.
Not sure which Region you belong to? Contact your Regional Office.
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