Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions

This event explores the role of trade unions in the arts and culture sector for creative freelancers, artists, and employees.

This half-day event will explore the vital role of trade unions in the cultural and creative industries. Aimed at freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire in sectors such as visual arts, theatre, music, film, broadcast, journalism, museums and galleries, this session brings together major unions including Equity, The Musicians’ Union, Bectu, Artists’ Union England, National Union of Journalists, and The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.

Trade unions are an important force in the workplace, with members of a trade union usually having better pay and conditions than non-unionised workplaces. Several trade unions represent workers in the cultural and creative sector – come and meet them and discuss what they have achieved and how they work for members.

This event will cover:

- What a trade union is and which unions represent creative and cultural workers
- How joining a trade union can make a difference
- The benefits of union membership
- Understanding contracts
- Working together and taking collective action

Participants will learn about the trade union most relevant to them and their work, and there will be a short presentation from each union, followed by a roundtable discussion and an opportunity for 1:1 advice sessions.