Musicians Are Being Blackmailed For Charity Says MU

Musicians Union looks to pass a new law   09-Aug-11

The Musicians Union in the UK claims that its members are being 'emotionally blackmailed' into offering their services free–of–charge at music events for charity - but other workers are being paid for their efforts.

The Union wants a law to be passed, giving musicians the option to either be paid, or to opt to play their music for free.

At a Trade-Union Congress in London next month, the Musicians Union will put forward a motion to that effect, saying: “It is extremely unfair to put professional musicians into a situation where they are emotionally blackmailed into working for no fee, and are asked to give their services to a good cause.

“It is particularly unjust when others associated with the event, such as venue staff and lawyers, are being paid.”

The Union claims that the motion is about giving the musicians the freedom to choose how they offer their services at charity events.

The MU will also tackle the issue of unpaid, and under–paid interns working in the Music Industry: “It is unfair for interns, who are often employed full-time, not to be paid the going rate for the work they do – just as it is wrong that performing artists are expected to work for nothing when they are engaged for charitable and fundraising events.”

(The Musician's Union Logo is not owned in any way by Sonic State, it is a Trademark of the Musicians Union, UK. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of those at Sonic State, and they are not presented as such.)

Rich Beech
@sonicamped