Motion no: 9
Equity condemns the attacks and harassment suffered by its members whilst they are engaged in work at entertainment venues. Such work can include leaving venues late at night and sometimes alone, parking and loading out in insecure locations with expensive and / or cumbersome equipment and a lack of personal security leading our members to feel vulnerable.
It is the principal duty of hirers and employers, under the HASWA (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974), to secure the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at their workplace.
Equity’s Council has been charged by its members to identify, develop and promote good practice in the industry around the duty of care of venue owners and managers. Matters under consideration are that venues will be reminded of their obligations to provide a safe workplace by making available, for example:
(1) A safe parking space at the venue, as close to the get-in point as is viable, being provided whenever possible.
(2) A representative of the venue to meet and greet the artiste and accompany them whilst unloading and then loading up their vehicle at the end of the engagement.
(3) If alternative parking must be provided away from the venue, then a representative should meet them where they have parked and safely accompany them to and from the venue.
(4) Consideration being given to the journey home or to digs, especially when during unsocial hours, and to those artistes who travel to the venue by public transport.
Equity calls on ICTU’s Biennial Delegate Conference to join Equity in condemning the attacks and harassment suffered by its members whilst they are engaged in work at venues, and to support its campaign to improve good practice by promoting the same principles for all workers who work in insecure locations.
