Musicians’ union

The MU musicians’ union has been receiving reports of professional musicians being asked to perform for no payment at events connected with either the London Olympics or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and has urged musicians not to accept offers of unpaid work.

Horace Trubridge, MU assistant general secretary said that the union was in talks with the London Olympics organising committee (LOCOG) about these reports.

LOCOG has signed a Principles of Cooperation with the TUC which specifically states that professional workers will be paid for their services and are distinct from the unpaid volunteer workforce.

“Our understanding is that all other sectors involved in putting on these events e.g. security, staging, equipment hire etc. are being paid their usual fees but not the musicians,” said Trubridge.

“If this is true, it is completely unacceptable and we will take the matter further. Professional musicians should always be offered a fee for their work.”