MEANING OF EQUITY
Equity is the only Trade Union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment. Formed in 1930 by a group of West End of London performers, Equity quickly spread to encompass the whole range of professional entertainment so our membership includes actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, stage managers, theatre directors and designers, variety and circus artists, television and radio presenters, walk-on and supporting artists, stunt performers and directors and theatre fight directors.
Although we are a Trade Union, Equity is not politically affiliated and so does not make payments to any political party. This puts Equity in the strong position of being able to lobby with impunity governments of all political colours. We are however affiliated to the Trades Unions Congress and Equity delegates attend the annual TUC conference as a means of bringing performers' issues to a wider audience.
The main function of Equity is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment throughout the entire world of entertainment and to endeavour to ensure these take account of social and economic changes. We look to the future as well, negotiating agreements to embrace the new and emerging technologies which affect performers so satellite, digital television, new media and so on are all covered, as are the more traditional areas. We also work at national level by lobbying government and other bodies on issues of paramount importance to the membership. In addition we operate at an international level through the Federation of International Artists which Equity helped to establish, the International Committee for Artistic Freedom and through agreements with sister unions overseas.
BENEFITS OF EQUITY MEMBERS
THESE ARE GOODIES WHEN YOUARE IN EQUITY
Equity Card
Being a member makes a positive statement about your commitment to your vocation and your place in the industry. Your Equity card is a universally recognised symbol of your status as a professional.
Royalties and Other Payments
Each year Equity distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds in payments for use of members’ work in television and film re-runs, sales of DVDs, videos and audio recordings, e.g. cast albums.
Public Liability Insurance (PLI)
Equity members automatically have PLI. For many members this is an essential protection for their working lives and this cover provides unbeatable value. (Please note stage hypnotist members can get PLI but have to contribute substantially to the premium). There is subsidised top-up cover available for Fire Artists.
Accident/ Backstage Insurance
Equity members are automatically covered for accident and backstage insurance which operates overseas . It provides support if you are unable to work due to an accident and should not be confused with personal injury compensation.There is also extra accident insurance for dancers which costs some money per year.
Pay/ Conditions
Minimum terms and conditions across the entertainment industry and guidelines for work in areas where there are no representative bodies. Working under Equity terms is the best protection you can have. Members must discuss, before signing, contracts for any overseas work, including dance and cruises.equity also advise members working on non-Equity contracts.
