Storyteller. Equity Race Equality Committee @EquityREC. Host @kenbirkpresents. Pogo Trainer.
Joined September 2013
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Very honoured to be elected onto the @EquityREC! Huge thanks to all who voted and my proposers @martina_laird & @JimmyAkingbola! Looking forward to working with some amazing activists in the new year! 🥳😃
Congratulations to @OfficialJassa, @KenBirk, @becboey, @Jcheunginhin, @femielufowojujr, @IrvineIqbal, Nana St Bartholomew-Brown, @leomarcuswan and @danielfyork!
Ken Birk retweeted
Yes. We won’t accept the dud draft Bill published by Starmer back in January. At a minimum, there has to be amendments to include the remaining Law Commission recommendations on enfranchisement and Right to Manage promised in the Labour manifesto and July 2024 King’s Speech.
Ken Birk retweeted
The politics of freeing leaseholders is a no-brainer.
We said: don’t bet against Burnham.
Now, on his first day answering questions in Parliament as PM 👇
On his first appearance at the Despatch Box as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham just gave me a solid commitment that will be welcomed by leaseholders across the country.
@FreeLeasehlders
Ken Birk retweeted
Leaseholders are being looted.
One London development generated a secret £1.6 million insurance commission for a freeholder’s related company.
Yet Starmer drops the promised @Law_Commission reforms that would stop this endemic grifting and orders another performative review.
.@Keir_Starmer cannot help himself: another review instead of action to let people take control of rip-off service charges, cut freeholder commissions and stop the grifting draining wallets and killing the flats market.
A quick cost-of-living win for @andyburnham though!
Thank you @BarryGardiner ....please keep up the fight!!!
Ken Birk retweeted
The 4 minute limit in today’s Leasehold Reform debate was a bit tight.
But good that so many MPs wanted to urge the government to get on with it.
without incurring £110 charge! Even though part of this is extending an abbreviation which I should be allowed to do. This could literally ruin my holiday if you can't accomodate this change and is causing anxiety. Please help and be fair and compassionate. This would amount
Ken Birk retweeted
We have grave concerns about Spotlight’s latest price hike. Since 2023, Equity has explored legal routes to challenge unreasonable fees charged by casting directories.
A full update will be given to the new Council next Tuesday 9th & members updated on progress later that week
Ken Birk retweeted
And I wonder how many of these racists banging about Juliet being White even know that in the original production she’d have been played by an adolescent boy
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Ken Birk retweeted
Queried a workshop contract via @EquityUK this week and every performer on the job is now being paid over £100 extra and we'll qualify for pension contributions. Inject it into my veins! There is power in a union. 🔥
I am SO excited by this! Finally this is what I and others have been fighting for with @EquityUK ! This monopoly acting pre-requisite is such a barrier for many in the arts and many of us are still scarred by @SpotlightUK deceptive antics in the pandemic members of the fee pause!
Update: Spotlight‼️
'The cost of casting should not be borne by artists seeking work'
We have today issued a letter to Spotlight regarding potential legal action.
For full details of this development go to our website
equity.org.uk/news/2024/spot…
ALT Image reads 'Equity' in light purple on dark purple background
Ken Birk retweeted
Are you an Equity member?
Just 5 minutes of your time will help shape our future discussions and relationships with casting service providers!
Take our survey now: tinyurl.com/44yyb63f
Everything that has been said here! Yet despite this me and many like me are not eligible for affordable renting schemes in my area! #costofbeingsingle #singlepremium
'Being single in the UK at the moment is...basically the worst thing you can do for your financial health.'
@lewis_goodall asks his listeners if they feel there is a 'penalty' or 'sanction' to being on your own during the cost of living crisis.
Ken Birk retweeted
Had last min change of 🤎& stood again @EquityREC So happy @Jcheunginhin @IrvineIqbal @kenbirk @Adiaha_Emma & Fran are back @OfficialJassa now on Council, will miss @femielufowojujr & @becboey the very best of comrades
@EquityUK feels like a real trade union now-proud to serve
Ken Birk retweeted
Dear Theatre Twitter,
A really honest and letter about my (near) first year in theatre.
I’m blessed and grateful and just trying to be honest.
If you may be triggered by despair and/or financial instability, please don’t read attached letter.
Sincerely,
Neetu
Ken Birk retweeted
Big up @dedwardscasting! For a recent meeting I was sent two FULL eps, no NDAs, sides were 6 pages, a WEEK to prepare and just had a no via @mcewanpenford. I felt respected both as an artist and as a worker. This is the standard my @EquityUK comrades and I will keep fighting for.
Last chance to get your @EquityUK vote in! Use your vote so our union has a mandate for change! I'd particularly recommend @LyndaRooke, @OfficialJassa, @ShenaghGovan @samswann, @JackieClune, Sam Swan for council, @Jcheunginhin & Nana Morgan for standing orders/appeals! Go go go!
Ken Birk retweeted
📣 FINAL CALL @EquityUK members!
📩MONDAY is your LAST CHANCE to order replacement Council/Presidential ballots
🏡They *can* be delivered to digs/new/temporary addresses
📆Vote closes FRIDAY at NOON
📮Posting after Monday? Use a 1st class stamp.
🗳VOTE VOTE VOTE🗳
All @EquityUK members PLEASE read this thread! It explains why you HAVE to send off your elections voting form so that our union can lobby for better pay & conditions for us! Employers & Government will look at voting engagement not just membership-news even to me! Go Go Go!
Dear fellow @EquityUK members - it is Election Time and that requires ACTION. Simply being part of a union isn't enough, we need to VOTE in the upcoming elections if we want to see real change
I only just learned this myself so I'm passing on the info
Here's how it works:
A year ago today I started working with @EquityShannon& @EquityAudio on behalf of @EquityREC on an initiative breaking down barriers into VO work w/ a FREE #Audible recording! 2day w/@ianmanborde we went through some fantastic applications! Let's make this space diverse 💪
