17th February 2010, 08:46 PM
(Originally by GnomeKing)---
Unfortunately that is often not the case.
During my time as branch secretary of the Museum of London branch of Prospect I was often called upon to act as a representative or support for union members in dealings with both archaeological and museum management. Not least because the disciplinary and grievance procedures of the employer advised staff to seek and use union representation where appropriate. I believe that in the vast majority of cases this was useful to both union member and management as it 'officialised' proceedings. There is often a danger with longstanding colleagues of defining where friendship and/or management hierarchy can begin or end, and involvement of a union rep can often help.
Secondly, it s often the case that even the most 'competent' of persons when faced with issues such as redundancy, employment grievances, disciplinary proceedings, can feel overwhelmed if forced to deal with the issue alone. The strength of a union is comradeship and solidarity, in this day and age unfashionable words I know, but nevertheless words which still carry a lot of weight in my book. And words which I think go a long way towards understanding why many people still work in archaeology irrespective of the low pay, low prospects and uncertain future. I would hate the day if archaeology ever became just another selfish, self-seeking profession....one of the reasons I have always been a union member.
Quote:Most competent people can mount a good case, with or without unionisation.
Unfortunately that is often not the case.
During my time as branch secretary of the Museum of London branch of Prospect I was often called upon to act as a representative or support for union members in dealings with both archaeological and museum management. Not least because the disciplinary and grievance procedures of the employer advised staff to seek and use union representation where appropriate. I believe that in the vast majority of cases this was useful to both union member and management as it 'officialised' proceedings. There is often a danger with longstanding colleagues of defining where friendship and/or management hierarchy can begin or end, and involvement of a union rep can often help.
Secondly, it s often the case that even the most 'competent' of persons when faced with issues such as redundancy, employment grievances, disciplinary proceedings, can feel overwhelmed if forced to deal with the issue alone. The strength of a union is comradeship and solidarity, in this day and age unfashionable words I know, but nevertheless words which still carry a lot of weight in my book. And words which I think go a long way towards understanding why many people still work in archaeology irrespective of the low pay, low prospects and uncertain future. I would hate the day if archaeology ever became just another selfish, self-seeking profession....one of the reasons I have always been a union member.
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...