PROSPECT....where are you?

[BAJR Host]

Calling all PROSPECT members. Are you happy with PROSPECT? OR do you wonder where they are.

I read an article from 2 years back saying how they were actively recruiting archaeologists and strengthening their position. Is this the case?

Back in 28/11/2007 Prospect Archaeology branch launched a new e-branch to act as a digital portal for all Archaeology Branch members to keep updated with what's going on in their branch. Have you used it? or seen it.

www.prospect.org.uk/branches/181/public/p1

Chris Clarke on the 04/06/2007 made the statement:

• We will promote, and assist in delivering, the key benefits of union membership (representation, negotiation, protection of professional interests).

• We will maintain a continuous campaign to improve the pay and conditions of archaeologists.

• We will maintain a rolling programme of recruitment and union workplace recognition.

• We will raise our profile and increase awareness of the importance of archaeology and archaeologists.

• We will aim to identify, and work with, other individuals and organisations that can assist us in achieving the goals of the branch.

So 2 years on... how has it gone?

Once we have some views and experiences (remember this is not a rant fest) I would like to hear positive and negative opinions... and then can approach Prospect and ask for comment. Unless they want to sign up here which might be a good way of encouraging people to join :face-approve:


pps have contacted the Admin for the PROSPECT Archaeologists web branch to alert them to this thread...

[Gilraen]

We've not heard a dicky bird.

[Gilraen]

It's quite expensive on a digger's wage.

[Oxbeast]

I joined Prospect a couple of years ago, and I haven;t really heard a lot from them. They used to do a newsletter, but I haven't seen it in a long time. I do read their magazine though. I've never directly asked them for help, but I reckon they'd be there for me if needed. Its not aonly about the archaeology branch, but also about the central union services, like legal support etc. This is why an archaeology only union couldn;t really work, there just aren;t enough of us.

I would take issue with Gilraen saying that it's 'quite expensive on a diggers wage'. Here are the rates:

There are five rates of subscription, all based on your salary:
Special rate* (?11,510 and below): ?1.10 per month
Band 1 (?11,511-?16,440): ?6.15 per month
Band 2 (?16,441-?20,275): ?8.45 per month
Band 3 (?20,276-?25,205): ?10.75 per month
Band 4 (?25,206-?33,970): ?13.60 per month
Band 5 (?33,971 and over): ?15.75 per month
* This rate replaces the former special rate for members who are unemployed, on unpaid or maternity leave, in between contracts etc

So ?6.15 a month for a digger, or 2 pints (at Londonish prices). I don't really think thats expensive. Also, if you're PAYE, you could can get tax relief on union subs. DF might be only a fiver a year, but thay don;t have much overheads or any paid staff.

[BAJR Host]

I agree that an archaeologists union is a non-starter. Its a two way process.. where archaeologists have to join to make it work... (last I heard some 300 odd were members - I suspect they could give numbers) however, they have to be seen to be working as well.. and it all comes back to communication.

Nothing much.. but at least being visible... BAJR Fed offers this opportunity for regular updates - which will convince more people to join... uless people want to give BAJR 6.15 a month

[Gilraen]

Oxbeast - yes, maybe you're right, I suppose it isn't too bad. And it would certainly be worth the money if you had any problems or issues that required their help!

[BAJR Host]

Would be good if we had some people saying... yeah... hey great... they were there when I needed them... PROSPECT seem a bit quiet in terms of recruitment... where do they?

[chiz]

I know you are deliberately winding it up to get a response, but at least give people more than 8 hours to realise there is a thread on Prospect and say something positive! Rather than the same old uninformed shite about it being 'too much money, whinge, whinge, whinge, I joined the union and didn't get an instant 200% pay rise, what a bunch of charlatans....'

I wrote a fairly long post about the union, what it can and can't do, and our role in it just before xmas, I haven't time to search it out and repost it as I'm off out, but yes they were there when I needed them.

[BAJR Host]

Well, I can say that a response has happened... this is the internet age... and indeed it is both positive and admitting that er... little had happened... this was the kick they needed. I hope to get a response from Dave Allen soon

The deliberate provocative post worked... perhaps the return to old BAJR values of pointing out things does work... rather than entering into lengthy, working party agreements that something really should happen... and then... two years on nothing does. A watchers role.

IF PROSPECT wants to lead the way (and I have said this to the IfA as well) it has to use all mediums to disseminate, communicate and highlight... don't hide lights under bushels.. say it... then people will join..

I will work with PROSPECT.. more than happy to, however I still remeber that I am waiting for a full PROSPECT response to a phone call I had about the accomodation and tax back in August 2008 - what is the legal position and what should be done. Perhaps they have done great work... in which case... they can show that PROSPECT members benefited from being members... see where I am going...


Now... Like we all know, most field archs just plod along and hope it all gets sorted for them... until riled ... well my challenge is... you want change.... come and help... otherwise how are PROSPECT, DF or even the old BAJR (I am middle aged now, and my digging knee is knackered) to do anything to help in return... SUPPORT... and ACTIVE Support...

[brazier]

I know you are deliberately winding it up to get a response, but at least give people more than 8 hours to realise there is a thread on Prospect and say something positive! Rather than the same old uninformed shite about it being 'too much money, whinge, whinge, whinge, I joined the union and didn't get an instant 200% pay rise, what a bunch of charlatans....'

I wrote a fairly long post about the union, what it can and can't do, and our role in it just before xmas, I haven't time to search it out and repost it as I'm off out, but yes they were there when I needed them.

I read your post Chiz. It was right on the nail, and full of good sense, as usual. I have found Prospect to be most helpful in resolving workplace issues (though sad to say I am now an ex arch - my choice). So - thanks to those reps at PCA who have done a great job over the years - I don't know how you keep going! Wishing you all a happy New Year, and hoping you will carry on in your efforts to stamp out bad practice, raise standards, and generally motivate change for the better.