How to Talk to People About Joining the Union Organising and campaigning need people power – and rely on building a thriving membership in your workplace or local music community. Last updated: 27 August 2025 A thriving membership allows the MU to negotiate strongly for better pay and conditions for members, and lobby governments for policy changes that help all musicians. What does recruitment look like? Recruitment means talking to colleagues about issues and campaigns that affect your workplace or local music community. These conversations are also an opportunity to talk about why the MU matters to you, and the importance of every musician being a member. People join a trade union for lots of different reasons It can help consider why you joined the MU. That could be: Trade union representation, collective bargaining and wellbeing support Contract advice, unpaid fee recovery and legal advice and assistance Campaigns, worker solidarity and being part of a community of music. A strong membership means a strong mandate for the union to represent you, and more pressure on decision-makers to enact meaningful change. 3 tips for a successful recruitment conversation Engage with colleagues Listen to their concerns and highlight what the MU can do for them. Take a look at at the membership page for a list of benefits for the union, or head to our industrial (section) or regional landing pages for what’s on in your sector or union region. Share MU success stories The MU fights to win and we have a proud record in campaigning for change. Explore member stories, take a look at our current campaigns or head to Instagram for photo and video updates. Create opportunities to share your experiences This could be in a casual conversation, a more structured meet up, or by sharing examples of activism on social media - whatever works for you. Endorsements from real experiences are the best way to recruit. Solidarity in practice: equality, diversity and inclusion Talking to people about the union, you will meet people who have questions or concerns about issues that you may not experience yourself. Representing musicians from every section of society regardless of their ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic lies at the very heart of what trade unions do. Explore how the union supports diverse members in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion hub - including networks for members who experience racism, and women, disabled and LGBT+ members to raise and organise around issues affecting them. Learn more about organising and campaigning The Musicians’ Union Guide to Organising and Campaigning This guide is an introduction to what organising is, how it works, and what to do if you think you might have an issue in your workplace or local music community. Download the guide The MU Organising Training Programme The MU has launched its first ever Organising Training Programme. The first three modules cover an introduction to trade unions, organising and campaigning, and are being rolled out to members where there is an urgent and strategic need. Find out more