Paul W Fleming with Equity banner (2023)

Paul W Fleming's second five-year term will run until 2030

Photo: Equity

Changing Faces

Fleming re-elected Equity leader

Arts Professional
2 min read

PAUL W FLEMING has been re-elected to serve a second term as general secretary of performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity.

After receiving 81% of the votes from Equity members in a run-off against stunt performer RIKY ASH, Fleming said it is an “overwhelming honour” to be re-elected.

He added that he intends for the union to meet the challenges facing members, including artificial intelligence, dignity to work, pay, protecting venues and modern working practices.

“The policies set by our council and conference, informed by our branches and committees, are leading the way on these core issues for working people in every industry,” Fleming said.

A statement from Equity says despite the beginning of his first tenure in 2020 coinciding with the Covid pandemic, the union’s membership has grown to its highest in history under Fleming’s leadership, reaching 50,000.

The union’s achievements in the last five years include a pay rise for West End performers following the Stand Up For 17% campaign, a pay increase and improvements to terms and conditions for independent theatre workers and a new agreement for its members working with the BBC.

Fleming’s second five-year term will run until 2030.