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Musicians' Union (MU)

@wearethemu

The UK's only trade union for musicians A community 36,500 strong ‼️ Urgent enquiry? Contact the MU at https://theMU.org/contact 🎨 Cover art by Malini Chakrabarty

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04.09.2024
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Latest posts by Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu

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MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Have you heard of Creative Europe?

It's the EU's main funding programme supporting the cultural, creative and audiovisual sectors

Sign the petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin the programme - and improve touring and cultural exchange between the UK and EU
πŸ”— https://ow.ly/lwQU50Yqocb

08.03.2026 16:01 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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New Video Guidance on US Entry Requirements for SXSW 2026 A new video guide explains how international artists can enter the US for SXSW 2026 under ESTA, what documents to bring, and how to prepare for border checks.

Are you preparing to travel to the US for SXSW 2026?

Watch the video guide covering the key entry rules and processes you’ll need to understand before you go
πŸ”— https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/new-video-guidance-on-us-entry-requirements-for-sxsw-2026

#SXSW

07.03.2026 11:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Government is consulting on the future of the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK

Take part using our template email
πŸ”— https://ow.ly/g0yU50YqkLU

#ProtectOurBBC

06.03.2026 17:56 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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New Bilingual Guide Champions Fair Work for Creative Freelancers in Wales CULT Cymru, in partnership with the Musicians’ Union, has published a bilingual best practice guide to support creative freelancers, venues and organisations in creating fairer, safer working environm...

Dysgu mwy
πŸ”— bit.ly/46GF3Cs

05.03.2026 17:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
"Gweithio Gyda Llawryddion Creadigol: Canllaw arferion gorau. Adnodd CULT Cymru ar gyfer sefydliadau, contractwyr ac aelodau. Cefnogi Llawryddion Adeiladu Gwaith Gwell - Cult Cumru, bectu, Equity, Musicians' Union, Writers Guild of Great Britain, Llywodraeth Cymru"

"Gweithio Gyda Llawryddion Creadigol: Canllaw arferion gorau. Adnodd CULT Cymru ar gyfer sefydliadau, contractwyr ac aelodau. Cefnogi Llawryddion Adeiladu Gwaith Gwell - Cult Cumru, bectu, Equity, Musicians' Union, Writers Guild of Great Britain, Llywodraeth Cymru"

πŸ“£ Canllaw newydd CULT Cymru yn tynnu sylw at sut y gall newidiadau bach drawsnewid bywydau gwaith gweithwyr llawrydd creadigol yng Nghymru

05.03.2026 17:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Yellow gradient background with the silhouette of a camera operator. In the middle is the title "Engaging Creative Freelancers" in black text with a white background. Below is the subheading "Best Practice Guide" followed by plain text "A Cult Cymru resource for organisations, engagers and member." To the left is a black and yellow QR code and link. Underneath is the heading "Supporting freelancers building better work" in yellow text with black highlight and a white band with stakeholder logos: Cult Cymru, bectu, Equity, Musicians' Union, Writer Guild of Great Britain and the Welsh Government

Yellow gradient background with the silhouette of a camera operator. In the middle is the title "Engaging Creative Freelancers" in black text with a white background. Below is the subheading "Best Practice Guide" followed by plain text "A Cult Cymru resource for organisations, engagers and member." To the left is a black and yellow QR code and link. Underneath is the heading "Supporting freelancers building better work" in yellow text with black highlight and a white band with stakeholder logos: Cult Cymru, bectu, Equity, Musicians' Union, Writer Guild of Great Britain and the Welsh Government

πŸ“£ A new @cultcymru.bsky.social guide highlights how small changes can transform the working lives of creative freelancers in Wales

05.03.2026 17:38 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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❗69% creative freelancers in Scotland have experienced issues relating to payment at work

Have you?

πŸ“£ Ask your MSP to support the Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland!
πŸ”— Use our template letter: theMU.org/MusiciansManifestoForScotland

#ScotlandMusic

03.03.2026 11:43 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry Multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflects on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of div...

What's it like being a trans man in the music industry?

πŸ‘‡ Read our latest blog from musician and events manager Asher Hoang

🌈 We're proud to share his story - and celebrate the joy, noise and solidarity that follow when trans creatives are fully supported

#LGBTHistoryMonth

27.02.2026 11:58 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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GFTUET courses in Scotland 2026 Please use the below application form to apply for education courses we are delivering in Scotland in 2026. Women's Voices (Women only) - 6th-8th March 2026, Leonardo Hotel Glasgow, deadline 24th Feb....

πŸ“’ Free training opportunity for Scotland members

Want to help challenge the rise of the far right?

The new @gftu.org.uk course gives reps practical tools to counter harmful narratives and rebuild solidarity

Free places (including food + accom) available
πŸ“† 13–14 March, Glasgow

πŸ‘‡ Apply by 27 Feb

25.02.2026 12:41 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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✊ We’re marching #together against the far right

National demonstration
πŸ“… Saturday 28 March 2026
πŸ“ Central London

Sign-up for updates at togetheralliance.org.uk

Want to join the MU delegation? Email equalities@theMU.org who will arrange t‑shirts and placards

#Together

24.02.2026 14:21 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Statement by UK trade unions in solidarity with Ukraine, on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion Statement issued by UK trade unions, in association with USC, on 23 February 2026, for the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. All the signatories ar…

On the eve of the 4th anniversary of the full-scale invasion, the Trades Union Congress and nine unions representing a majority of organised workers in the UK have issued a statement in solidarity with Ukraine and its workers. Please read + share! ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org/2026/02/23/u...

23.02.2026 09:35 πŸ‘ 48 πŸ” 36 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 4
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It's clear who Reform UK stand for - and it's not workers.

They seek to sow division, while committing to throw our hard-won rights on the scrapheap.

labourunions.org.uk/stop-reform/

24.02.2026 10:46 πŸ‘ 146 πŸ” 74 πŸ’¬ 17 πŸ“Œ 2
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Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers! In spring 2025, City of London Magistrates Court ruled that busking in Leicester Square was a β€œstatutory nuisance” and compared it to β€œpsychological torture techniques.” The ruling effectively banned ...

✊Busking is real work β€” and without safe, accessible pitches, performers lose vital income and stability

πŸ“£ Sign the petition to call on Westminster Council to replace the pitches lost

19.02.2026 16:12 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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❗88% of Westminster buskers surveyed made significantly less or no income in Nov and Dec 2025, compared to the same period in 2024

19.02.2026 16:12 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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❓How have the Westminster busking pitch closures affected performers?

❗81% of Westminster buskers surveyed haven't been able to work at all since the Trafalgar Square pitch was shut down

🧡
#BackYourBuskers

19.02.2026 16:12 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Today marks a major step forward for workers’ rights.

Unions can now spend more time fighting for better jobs, better pay, and better conditions - after most of the Tories’ Trade Union Act is repealed.
πŸ“βŒπŸŒΉβœŠ

labourunions.org.uk/deliverinfull

18.02.2026 09:12 πŸ‘ 14 πŸ” 8 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Campaign goes on to end restrictions on buskers Entertainment industry unions take to the streets for public march

www.westminsterextra.co.uk/article/camp...

18.02.2026 14:58 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

"A lot of people have been forced out of being able to busk"

Buskers are campaigning for new viable & accessible busking pitches in Westminster, after busking was banned in Leicester Square last year

Busker Ben spoke to Westminster Extra about what the ban means for London's busking community:

18.02.2026 14:57 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Love. Unity. Hope.

These are the things that will stop the far right in its tracks βœ‹

Join us in London on 28 March for the Together Against the Far Right national demonstration

Save the date and sign-up for updates
πŸ”— togetheralliance.org.uk

#Together #WeAreTheMU #BehindEveryMusician #Unity

16.02.2026 16:26 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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πŸ΄πŸ‰ It’s Welsh Language Music Day!

Celebrating all forms of Welsh Language music

πŸ”— Listen to the playlists and learn more

***
πŸ΄πŸ‰ Mae’n Ddydd Miwsig Cymru!

Dathlu cerddoriaeth Gymraeg o bob math

πŸ”— Gwrandewch ar y rhestrau chwarae a dysgu mwy

#WeAreTheMU #MusiciansUnion #Miwsig

13.02.2026 09:00 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1
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Today we're at the Beacons Cymru Summit - championing the future of Wales’ creative sector ✊

#WeAreTheMU

11.02.2026 15:11 πŸ‘ 9 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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What are the practical realities of getting top surgery as a trans musician?

From fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health, folk musician and activist Maddie Morris reflects on the process

πŸ”— https://ow.ly/84JL50YcezJ

#LGBTHistoryMonth

10.02.2026 13:52 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Dewch i drafod Deallusrwydd Artiffisial/ Let's Talk Artificial Intelligence Sesiwn banel ar Ddeallusrwydd Artiffisial a chyfle i rwydweithio/ Panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence and a chance to network.

Our main event for #HeartUnions week is tonight at Porter's in Cardiff, 7pm.

Let's talk Artificial Intelligence.

Please register to get a welcome drink for FREE:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dewch-i-dr...

@bectu.bsky.social @equityuk.bsky.social @wearethemu.bsky.social @writersguildgb.bsky.social

09.02.2026 08:30 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

πŸ‘‡ Email your MSP to help protect the future of Scottish music

06.02.2026 12:17 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

The Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland calls on all political parties to:

βœ… Deliver Fair Work for musicians and the creative workforce
βœ… Invest in music education and protect instrumental music services
βœ… Legislate to help fix streaming and protect Scottish music

06.02.2026 12:17 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

How can Scotland protect musicians, strengthen communities and support Scotland’s economy at the same time?

🌟 The Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland 🌟

🧡

06.02.2026 12:17 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Dewch i drafod Deallusrwydd Artiffisial/ Let's Talk Artificial Intelligence Sesiwn banel ar Ddeallusrwydd Artiffisial a chyfle i rwydweithio/ Panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence and a chance to network.

9.2.26 1900-2100 #HeartUnions Discussion on #AI.

An opportunity to network :One free drink for everyone who registers in advance through the Eventbrite link!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dewch-i-dr...

@bectu.bsky.social @equityuk.bsky.social @wearethemu.bsky.social @writersguildgb.bsky.social

05.02.2026 08:58 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Parliamentlive.tv Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Why is touring in the EU important to UK musicians - and what's it been like since Brexit?

MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social is speaking to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee alongside musician Kate Nash

Watch live!
πŸ”— parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

03.02.2026 11:08 πŸ‘ 9 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

On my way to speak to the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee on behalf of @wearethemu.bsky.social and with a busy touring artist, colleagues from @equityuk.bsky.social & the Association of British Orchestras.

We’ll be talking about the barriers to touring in the EU & how to fix them

03.02.2026 08:39 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Record payments to rightsholders from Spotify is positive, except that a big chunk of that goes to labels rather than musicians.

We're campaigning to fix streaming so that all musicians get a fair and guaranteed royalty. Sign and share the petition to show your support!
πŸ”— bit.ly/FixStreaming

29.01.2026 18:05 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0