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Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

A fund the arts sign from the Musicians' Union is held aloft in a crowd

MU Commends Trade Union Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of SAG AFTRA Strikes

Equity are organising a rally on Friday 21 July in solidarity with strikes being held by their United States sister union SAG-AFTRA. The MU welcomes this trade union show of solidarity with a round-up of social media action.

Published: 19 July 2023

Colourful map of Lambeth showing Archbishop's park and the surrounding areas

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

The MU has written to the Mayor of London, calling on him to refuse the planning application for the development of office buildings in Lambeth that would see the recording and rehearsal spaces in community art venue Iklectik, destroyed.

Published: 19 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

The cultural institution Brixton Hill Studios has confirmed that they have been granted a lease renewal, following campaigning efforts and support from organisations across the industry including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 17 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

We are continuing to make the case for the English National Opera (ENO), writing to key stakeholders and emphasising the impact that hastily made plans and underfunding will have on the wider classical music industry.

Published: 10 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Utako Toyama smiling in front of a blue presentation screen saying TUC LGBT+ Conference 2023.

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Delegate Utako Toyama spoke about the importance of mental health in relation to trans and non-binary inclusion at work - a motion supported by the NUJ and passed unanimously.

Published: 03 July 2023

BBC Portland Place in the day time, with some people walking in and out of the building

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

The BBC have written to the MU with updates on how they plan to provide a sustainable future for their performing groups, and we remain in meaningful discussion with them following months of uncertainty for our members.

Published: 27 June 2023

A skyline view of Nottingham brick buildings in Nottingham's city centre

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

New partnership highlights the creative community input that orchestras can have across regions, improving the life and wellbeing of people in the city and supporting the local music education sector.

Published: 27 June 2023

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

From copyright and contracts to royalties and rights, a new MU event tells you all you need to know about maximising your income as a recording musician.

Published: 26 June 2023

Pastel red sunrise over the Humber Bridge in Hull

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The Finale of Love Music Hate Racism’s Crisis Music Tour will be taking place at the Adelphi Club in Hull on Sunday 2 July with a free all-dayer. The MU will be present and are sponsoring the event.

Published: 20 June 2023

A small church on a sunny day in Tolpuddle, Dorset

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival will run 14-16 July in Dorset, seeing thousands of trade unionists gather from around the UK to commemorate the bravery of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock will be in attendance for the weekend.

Published: 20 June 2023

Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023

Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023

William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, London.

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

The MU will join other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions to show solidarity in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 14 June.

Published: 07 June 2023

Two musicians on a stage lit with purple lighting, one on a microphone and phone in the background on a deck.

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

The new membership for musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution means that refugees can now join the MU for one year for free, and access all the union’s advice and services to help build their lives in the UK.

Published: 01 June 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Pink glittering sequins sewn onto fabric

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

An audience raises their arms in silhouette at a live gig with purple and pink lighting

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Following a bumper year for fee recovery in 2022, MU Midlands Regional Officer Ben Benson talks us through some of the Midlands biggest wins for members, and his top tips for fee recovery in 2023.

Published: 17 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023

The Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, standing out in the sunshine

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

A brief update on recent lobbying activity in Scotland from MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell, who has been discussing arts funding, instrumental music provision and the wellbeing economy amongst other issues.

Published: 16 March 2023

Theatre sign written in stained glass on a theatre front in the West End

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Now that the percentage of female players in the West End has reached a record high of 27%, we’re reflecting on how vital it is that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee.

Published: 14 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster stand together in front of row of flags of member states attending the ILO.

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all.

Published: 15 February 2023

An orchestra podium against a background of pink and purple light

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

The report describes and evaluates the work of the world’s first disabled-led youth orchestra – essential reading for music educators looking to develop their understanding of inclusive music-making.

Published: 08 February 2023

Red plastic chairs in a circle on a white and grey background

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

The development programme aims to give the confidence and key skills needed to influence union structures, and has just opened to applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic workers in Wales.

Published: 08 February 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

Picture of a wooden recorder against a bright pink background.

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

A demo will be taking place on Tuesday 31 January against planned cuts that will see pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 no longer having access to music lessons.

Published: 27 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

Person walking through a bright and busy airport wheeling a suitcase.

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

21 Trade Unions including the MU, UNISON, the RMT and the PCS union have condemned the Government’s attempts to ‘pit’ workers against each other, and are calling for urgent action to end the exploitation of migrant workers, including undocumented people.

Published: 25 January 2023

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All News and Features

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

MU Commends Trade Union Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of SAG AFTRA Strikes

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers