19th June 2009, 12:05 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by BAJR Host
Diggers Forum.. it may have failed... but it can still suceed.. with support...
sorry David but I have to take issue with the first bit of that comment. Although I know what you really mean, many might not.
The Diggers Forum (with which I am no more connected than by being a member) has managed to get several members onto the IFA council, these are solid field archaeologists who represent the views, aspirations and opinions of site archaeologists within the IFA (of which I am also a member). They have created a voice within the IFA to represent those site workers who previously felt they did not have any voice. The DF has actively campaigned on several issues relating to pay and conditions and has achieved some success. Of course it hasn't changed everything, and is only one part of the lobbying regarding fair pay etc, but it has achieved something in getting people who consider themselves 'diggers' onto council. It certainly has not 'failed' and to suggest that is a bit disingenuous to say the least.
The DF is open to ALL, whether they work on site or not, and whether they are in the IFA or not. It is free to all IFA members, and a fiver a year for non-members. unfortunately there has been a very small take-up by those that the DF represents and campaigns for. But they still carry on representing site workers wherever they can in meetings and emails, mostly unreported, and mostly unthanked.
Now I will be the first to agree that the DF has not publicised itself well over the last few years, and that this is somewhat embarrassing. That probably has something to do with the fact that the people running it (unpaid, in their spare time) are also out on site all year, some literally spending every day on site.
I would hope that the DF can be relaunched soon and get the support of the people it is still campaigning for. With the support of those concerned about the pay, conditions and career opportunities of the site archaeologists, the DF can continue to get members on council actively raising the views of the site workers, and can increase its campaigns outside of council.
But that all relies on support.
I look forward to hearing your specific replies after the weekend.