Equity Urges Respect for Workers’ Rights Amid Payment Delays at Manchester Pride
Equity, the performers’ union, is calling for prompt action regarding payment delays faced by artists involved in the Manchester Pride event held in August. The organization has reached out after multiple drag artists expressed concerns about overdue payments, some dating back as far as June 2025.
Equity’s Urgency for Workers’ Rights
Karen Lockney, the Equity North West official, emphasized the importance of addressing these payment delays. She stated, “Equity has received several queries from performers involved with working at Manchester Pride 2025 who are experiencing payment delays.” The union encourages performers to contact them for advice and support.
Meeting to Address Payment Issues
A Zoom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at 3 PM. This session will provide performers a platform to discuss their individual situations. Interested parties can contact Equity via email at [email protected].
Concerns Over Contractual Terms
Lockney criticized the 60-day payment terms outlined in performers’ contracts, labeling them as “disappointing” and “unnecessarily long.” She highlighted that the industry standard typically allows a maximum payment period of 30 days, making Manchester Pride’s policy an exception.
Financial Burden on Performers
Many performers operate as self-employed individuals who incur considerable upfront costs to deliver high-quality performances. Lockney noted that these extended payment terms may impose undue financial stress on these artists. She stated, “We expect an event which celebrates equality to be equally respectful of workers’ rights.”
Impact on Local Artists
Drag artist Cadbury Parfait, a member of Equity’s Drag Network, criticized the lack of payments for local performers. “It’s disheartening that a pride organization that champions queer voices would withhold payments from grassroots performers,” she remarked, highlighting a perceived disparity between local artists and high-profile performers.
Legal Ramifications for Manchester Pride
The 60-day payment window for many performers is nearing its end at the end of October. If payments are not processed by then, Manchester Pride could face legal claims for breaching contractual agreements. Equity has heard of payments still outstanding from the earlier summer months.
Future Dialogue and Solutions
Equity is advocating for Manchester Pride to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. The union aims to establish contracts that align with industry standards and best practices. This would help ensure that those who contribute to this significant event do not encounter such financial uncertainty.
For more information or to join Equity’s Drag Network, performers are encouraged to sign up for the upcoming open meeting on October 21.
