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Young male student sat in a library with headphones on looking at a laptop screen.

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

The MU expresses solidarity to all staff and students affected by the closures.

Published: 26 March 2024

Outside of the London Coliseum Theater where ENO is currently based.

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

This means that musicians in both the orchestra and music staff have reached agreements with English National Opera, and planned strike action in this dispute is cancelled.

Published: 20 February 2024

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

People with placards 'Fund the Arts', 'We are union strong', ;We are ENO'

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The MU has reached an agreement with English National Opera for musicians in the orchestra, and an offer in principle for music staff.

Published: 15 February 2024

Empty classroom with piano and chalk blackboard.

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

We have written to the Department for Education for a second time, asking it to rethink its proposal to end essential top-up funding for teachers’ pensions in Music Hubs. Alongside this, we continue to highlight the significant overall funding shortfall facing music education.

Published: 02 February 2024

An empty rehearsal room full of orchestral instruments and chairs.

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

The MU and Equity are postponing strike action to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Published: 29 January 2024

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Did you see the news? On 17 January, the Musicians’ Union announced the first strike by members for 44 years.

Published: 23 January 2024

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Musicians’ Union members will be going on strike for the first time since July 1980.

Published: 17 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Crowd of wooden figures in a circle holding a sign with a red tick, representing a collective vote for yes.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

MU members in the English National Opera (ENO) orchestra and Music Staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed on 21 December 2023.

Published: 21 December 2023

Vintage record player with a vinyl resting on top, spinning in action

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting has reported back that 2023 saw a record £1.57m being distributed to members, and thanks the R&B team for their unrelenting dedication to the task.

Published: 20 December 2023

Chairs in a brightly lit but empty classroom

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

Working with Music Mark and the Independent Society of Musicians, we have written urgently to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, asking for increased funding for music education.

Published: 06 December 2023

Orchestra pit, chairs and music stands in black and white.

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

The MU is continuing talks with English National Opera regarding their proposals, which do not currently mention the future of our members’ jobs.

Published: 06 December 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl with ENO Music Staff and Orchestra Members after delivering letters outside the building.

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Musicians delivered 153 letters to English National Opera management, urging them to save ENO as a full-time company with a full-time orchestra and music staff on full-time pay.

Published: 24 November 2023

Person using a computer to create content from home with music software.

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

The Beijing Treaty will bring additional rights for audiovisual performances and is now set to become UK law, with the MU advising government that musicians would be best served by Equitable Remuneration.

Published: 23 November 2023

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building from their leafleting campaign in September..

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Following an MU-supported campaign to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels, musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra (OROH) have accepted a significantly improved pay and conditions offer from the company’s management to settle this year’s dispute.

Published: 21 November 2023

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

A crowd march with union banners, including placards that read

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Add your voice to the call, by writing to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 16 November 2023

A map of East London with Haggerston marked out in bright yellow

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

The MU are excited to welcome Signature Brew Haggerston to our Fair Play Venue scheme, which invites independent music venues to declare their support for the fair treatment of musicians and their opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals.

Published: 15 November 2023

A person in a bright yellow t-shirt reading

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra campaigning for their pandemic pay cut to be restored are considering a new pay offer from management.

Published: 15 November 2023

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

Abstract picture of differently coloured building blocks

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Many hands overlapping together in a circle, representing partnership and teamwork.

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman will be speaking at the event on Monday 27 November, which brings industry professionals together to discuss pay and jobs in the arts and culture sector. Members are invited to attend, either in person or online.

Published: 08 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

Interior of the National Rail Ticket office in St Pancras, London.

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Singer on stage in front of a microphone on a stand and large audience, in blue light.

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, states that the music industry’s contribution to the UK economy was £6.7 billion (GVA) in 2022.

Published: 07 November 2023

People at the ENO joint Unions demo from November 2022 holding signs reading #Behindeverymusician and #LoveENO

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

Write to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 06 November 2023

Naomi Pohl talks animatedly to two visitors to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the Chancellor and Culture Secretary calling for support for Northern Ballet, English National Opera, Royal Opera House and the wider sector.

Published: 30 October 2023

Members of the ROH Orchestra handing out flyers and holding a banner saying 'Please support the Orchestra #fairpay' before a performance earlier this month.

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra are campaigning to have their pay restored to pre pandemic levels.

Published: 23 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Busy pink desk with notebook, pens, mobile phone, coffee cup

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

The MU is required to ballot its members every 10 years on the continuation of its Political Fund. The deadline to complete the latest ballot is in January 2024.

Published: 18 October 2023

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

We have recently reported on how Northern Ballet are being forced to consider using recorded music instead of live orchestra. Our Recording and Broadcasting department are keen to hear from any musicians approached for recording backing tracks.

Published: 17 October 2023

Outside of The London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Martyn Brabbins has resigned in protest at English National Opera’s plans to axe 19 posts in the orchestra and go part time.

Published: 17 October 2023

A crowd of people holding MU branded signs saying 'Fund the Arts', 'Save the ENO' and '#BehindEveryMusician' from a rally in 2022.

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

The English National Opera plans to axe 19 posts and employ the remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

Published: 13 October 2023

Light shines through the glass ceiling dome, with lines that spiral out in a hub like fashion

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Find out more about the history of the MU Education Reps, and the essential part they’ve been playing since the role was created in 2013. In this feature MU Education Section Committee member Maxim Rowlands talks us through the story as it aligns with his own personal journey.

Published: 10 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Thangam Debbonaire MP at the Labour Party Conference 2023

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Shadow Secretary of State Thangam Debbonaire announces first ever first national cultural infrastructure plan for a future Labour government.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi appears on the large screen at the Labour Party conference, and stands in front of a panel

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised Northern Ballet Sinfonia’s campaign to protect their touring work on the main Labour Party Conference stage, at fringe events and MP meetings.

Published: 10 October 2023

Suella Braverman speaking in the Houses of Parliament

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

We are writing a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman demanding that she reconsiders her intention to no longer recognise LGBT discrimination as qualification for asylum, despite around 70 countries continuing to criminalise LGBT+ people.

Published: 05 October 2023

Members of the MU pose joyfully at the 2023 parade in London, with a sign reading Musicians' Union

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Following the release of hate crime statistics which show how England and Wales are continuing to become less safe for LGBTQ+ people, the MU points out how dangerous the anti trans narratives being peddled by the UK Government continue to be.

Published: 05 October 2023

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All News and Features

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

2023 End of Year Round Up

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further