JOHN F. SMITH PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS (FIM) & GENERAL SECRETARY, BRITISH MUSICIANS’ UNION

PERFORMERS’ TRADE UNIONS, GUILDS & ASSOCIATIONS

WHAT ARE UK TRADE UNIONS, GUILDS & ASSOCIATIONS?

TRADE UNIONS/GUILDS/ ASSOCIATIONS Organised collectives of people working within a given sector, which, through negotiation aim to improve pay and conditions.

A Trade Union: Is a representative democracy Is governed by its members Is administered by an internal democracy

TRADE UNIONS/GUILDS/ ASSOCIATIONS Bodies which are recognised by governments and employers as appropriate organisations to represent the interests of their members. Europe/N. America – most Unions have to be registered with the appropriate government department.

GOVERNANCE Takes place periodically but not too regularly General Assembly / Convention / Congress / Conference Takes place periodically but not too regularly Annual / Biennial / Triennial

General Assembly / Congress Delegates to Congress are elected either On a geographical basis (Regions , branches) – or On an industrial basis (jazz, recordings, folk, classical, teaching)

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL / COMMITTEE / BOARD Ruling Executive body – Council or Committee (EC) Elected by members on a geographical or industrial basis Limited term of office (maximum three-years) Has all the powers of the Union, however… Individual EC members have no power unless it is explicitly bestowed by the EC

GENERAL SECRETARY / PRESIDENT CEO of the Union Depending on national legal framework is: Appointed by Congress or EC, or Is elected by members Is subject to reelection/appointment BMU 5 years, AFM 3 years

CHAIRMAN / PRESIDENT Vice-Chairs / Vice Presidents Elected by members or by EC Chairs the meetings Figurehead for Union Together with Vice-Chairs / Vice Presidents forms a day-to-day administrative committee

UK ‘TALENT UNIONS’ Equity– Actors, Dancers, Variety/Circus Artists, Singers Writers’ Guild of Great Britain – Script Writers, Authors Musicians’ Union – Instrumentalists, Music Writers, Vocalists

BRITISH MUSICIANS’ UNION Founded 1893 Amalgamated Musicians’ Union London (National) Orchestral Association Merger 1921

NATIONAL GOVERNANCE Members elect Executive Committee (19 persons) by postal ballot – elected by Regions Members elect General Secretary by postal ballot for a five year term of office Biennial Delegate Conference General Secretary appoints officials/staff on behalf of the Executive Committee

REGIONAL GOVERNANCE 6 Regions – Scotland/Northern Ireland; North of England; Midlands; Wales/South West England; East/South East England; London Regional Committees elected by postal ballot Regions elect delegations to the Biennial Conference

SECTIONS Based on type of work Membership open to all BMU members Bi-annual Newsletter Elected Committee Role is to advise and to recommend

INDUSTRIAL SECTIONS Recording & Broadcasting Section Live Performance Section Orchestra Section Equalities Committee Teachers Section

Women BAME LGBT Disabled EQUALITIES Women BAME LGBT Disabled

COMMUNICATIONS Union Journal ‘The Musician’ eBulletin – every two weeks Members’ Handbook Website Regional & Section Newsletters (one hard copy; three emails)

Twitter - @WeAreTheMU Facebook Instagram SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter - @WeAreTheMU Facebook Instagram

BMU Jurisdiction Performers IP Rights acquired by Collective Bargaining Agreements Non-Featured Orchestral / Theatre Musicians Session Musicians

Unique Role Intellectual Property Rights Administration Debt Recovery Service Standard Contracts Contract Advisory Service Partnership Advisory Service Insurance – Public Liability, Instrument & Equipment

THE ROLE OF A MUSICIANS’ UNION Collective Responsibility “Oils the Wheels” “Managers of Discontent” A voice for the artisan / jobbing musician

THANK YOU ANY QUESTIONS