8th March 2006, 06:50 PM
There are several generations of architects in my family, including my grandfather, father and sister. I know that, even in the 1970s, when there was a great deal of unemployment and low wages amongst architects, the RIBA and ARIAS did nothing about employment matters. So their inaction in this field is not just a product of recent relative prosperity.
Similarly, my mother, wife and other family members are teachers. Their professional bodies do nothing about employment matters, concentrating on issues of professional registration and standards. This applied as much in the 70's and 80's, when teachers were poorly paid, as it does now, when their pay has improved a bit. However, most of them are also in unions, who do concentrate on employment matters and do nothing about professional issues. The two things are kept separate.
I don't think any professional institution can do both things successfully. The IFA has to choose - is it a union or a professional institution? I think that the choice has essentially been made, and it is the latter.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Similarly, my mother, wife and other family members are teachers. Their professional bodies do nothing about employment matters, concentrating on issues of professional registration and standards. This applied as much in the 70's and 80's, when teachers were poorly paid, as it does now, when their pay has improved a bit. However, most of them are also in unions, who do concentrate on employment matters and do nothing about professional issues. The two things are kept separate.
I don't think any professional institution can do both things successfully. The IFA has to choose - is it a union or a professional institution? I think that the choice has essentially been made, and it is the latter.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished