Equity holding annual conference in Derry in May

Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) has welcomed the fact Equity - the trade union for the performing arts and entertainment industries - is holding its annual conference in Derry; the event is taking place from May 10 to 12.

Speaking at Council’s April meeting of its Business and Culture committee, Cllr Harkin said it was great that Equity had established a branch in the city and was “helping to raise standards for workers in the arts and culture.”

He added: “I know the branch is very much growing, so to have Equity’s national conference here is a good development. It is also good we have been as a Council liaising with both Equity and the Musicians’ Union on terms and conditions for workers in the arts and culture.”

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Referring to the report before the committee titled ‘A best practice approach for engaging and supporting performing artists and creative practitioners’, Cllr Harkin described it as “comprehensive in terms of establishing baseline pay and establishing positive baseline treatment for workers in the arts and culture industry”.

“We know we have a lot of creative people here in Derry. We also know a lot of workers have struggled with the lack of contracts and subpar pay. So, I think the role of the unions in lifting that  is very important,” he added.

“It is positive to see some of the organisations are engaging with the unions now and setting contracts. 

“I want to give my vote of confidence to what Council and council officers are doing because I think that list of goals and objectives is actually what we should be doing as a Council in terms of engaging with workers but also engaging with the Musicians’ Union and with Equity,” said Cllr Harkin.

The report, which was agreed unanimously by the Business and Culture Committee, stated: "Within its procurement exercises for arts and culture projects, Derry City and Strabane District Council will establish a minimum expected wage for artists and creative practitioners.

“This best practice wage standard has been practiced informally by council officers for several years and demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners. 

“Council officers are committed to promoting a best practice approach for engaging and supporting performing artists and creative practitioners through a variety of means:  fair pay, ensuring minimum wages for commissioned practitioners; carbon reduction, encouraging eco-friendly practices; safety, prioritising the safety of performers; and access and diversity, supporting inclusivity and accessibility.”