The Memorandum of Understanding between Leeds Culture Trust, the independent charity which runs LEEDS 2023, and TUC Yorkshire and Humber, Equity, Artists' Union England, BECTU and Musicians' Union, pledges that performers are engaged on contracts that meet or go above trade union minimums.
Commenting on the agreement, our General Secretary Paul W Fleming, commented:
At a time when precarious engagements and poor pay are threatening to overshadow the UK’s cultural strength, again Leeds is leading the way by putting the terms and conditions of the creative workforce at the heart of what it means to have a Year of Culture. Great art thrives when artists have dignity at and in their work, which is exactly what this Memorandum of Understanding aims to assure.
Paul W Fleming, Equity General Secretary
CEO and Creative Director of Leeds Culture Trust, Kully Thiarai, added:
LEEDS 2023 will be a celebration of creativity, with hundreds of events taking place throughout the year in all 33 wards of the city. This will only be possible by working with a skilled and talented workforce across all areas of our operation… [LEEDS 2023] is a perfect opportunity to further develop a diverse, culturally engaged workforce and grow the creative sector that we hope will be part of the legacy of our Year of Culture.
Kully Thiarai, CEO and Creative Director of Leeds Culture Trust
The agreement will encourage performers and workers to meet with relevant trade unions and actively collaborate on support, training and legacy outcomes.
Leeds Culture Trust will encourage its partners and stakeholders to engage with appropriate unions to create agreements for the creative sector workers they employ.
