The Musicians’ Union (MU) is hosting two initial drop-in events to allow musicians to talk about their experiences of sexual harassment in the music industry, and consider ways the MU could offer further support and be a catalyst for change.

Over the last few weeks, women working in arts, culture, media and entertainment have spoken out about sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace. Thousands more people have shared their stories hashtags #metoo, #himthough and others.

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is hosting two initial drop-in events to allow musicians to talk about their experiences with others working in the industry, and consider ways the MU could offer further support and be a catalyst for change.

We will be discussing the kind of action that is required to protect musicians at work - be that as employed members of staff or freelancers - and looking at the measures that can be taken to improve workplaces across the industry.

There will also be information available to take away on your rights, grievance procedures, discrimination claims and other practical ways to make complaints.

The meetings will be hosted by MU officials, who will treat all stories shared in the strictest confidence.

These events are an information gathering exercise, as well as an opportunity for peer-to-peer support across the music industry.

Manchester: Tuesday 7 November, 3-5pm, at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN. Email kelly.wood@theMU.org to register for the Manchester event.

Tuesday 7 November, 3-5pm, at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN. Email kelly.wood@theMU.org to register for the Manchester event. London: Tuesday 14 November, 3-5pm, Arts Theatre Bar, Above The Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB . Email naomi.pohl@theMU.org to register for the London event.

If you can’t attend the events, remember that we are always here to offer support and guidance if you face sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse at work. You can contact your Regional Office about any issue of this nature, and we will listen to you and offer the relevant support. Everything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence, and no action will be taken without your prior consent.

Published: 02/11/2017