A trade union is a collective of workers, banding together to improve working conditions and pay, address safety concerns, discrimination or inequalities, provide work-related services to members and to give a voice to workers in an industry or workplace.
Did you know? Artists were some of the first trade unionists. From the 12th century, artists and craftspeople across Europe founded Guilds to give them a collective voice and set workplace standards. Similarly, workers today find their voices heard through trade unions.
– Paid Parental Leave
– Lunch Breaks
– Equal Pay for Women
– Weekends
– Minimum Wage
– Workplace Safety
Are the results of battles won by unions.
No artist truly works alone.
Divided we beg, united we bargain.
There’s strength in a union.
Recently elected Chairperson and visual artist, Kerry Guinan, argues that a trade union is the only hope for a sustainable arts industry;
“People often think of artists as individuals who work alone. However, in reality artists are always collaborating and inspiring each other. We at Praxis believe that working together will help us to improve our working conditions, just as it helps us improve our art.”
