In what might be a first in professional wrestling, England’s Pro Wrestling EVE has signed with a Trade Union! The UK based promotion has joined Equity UK, an established union for entertainers within the UK. The official press release reads:
“Eve- Riots Grrl of Wrestling is pleased to announce we have agreed to a Code of Conduct for the engagement of performers with Equity UK. Equity is the trade union for professional performers. We understand this Code is the first of its kind.
The Code of Conduct sets out EVE’s terms & conditions in writing, provides union recognition, a dignity at work policy as well as giving access and time for talent to engage with the union. This Code of Conduct is a culmination of talks that began over eighteen months ago between EVE and Equity UK.
We believe there are clear benefits for talent to be part of the union, including accident insurance for talent injured at work, as well as public liability and backstage insurance. Union membership also provides confidential legal advice and support, even when talent are working for promoters who do not recognise the union. Equity members have access to representation in contractual disputes as well as getting help with tax and welfare guidance.
In continuing our commitment to the performers, we at EVE will subsidise the membership subscription of any artist booked on our show for that given month.
EVE see the unionisation of independent performers as extremely important in this ever changing and fast developing wrestling scene, especially right now, here in the UK.
More details will be released in the coming weeks.”
https://twitter.com/ProWrestlingEVE/status/1155198658410946560
The unionization of professional wrestling is something a number of professional wrestlers have been calling for for years. Most recently, Ryback had been calling for the unionization of the industry. In the past, everyone from Daniel Bryan to Cody Rhodes have suggested similar.
Pro Wrestling EVE joining Equity UK might not seem like too large of a step, but it really is; this could open the floodgates of unionization, especially in the UK. If the idea catches on and the relationship between EVE and Equity proves successful, expect more promotions to follow.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
