15th January 2010, 05:50 PM
As a new contributor to these discussions I cannot emphasise enough the benefits I and my colleagues have derived in recent years from being members of a large, well resourced, and 'no nonsense' union (T&G/Unite). No doubt there will be problems and sadly many of these will stem from within our own profession. There will inevitably be those who for various reasons, some more wholesome than others, who feel the need to ever lower the 'costs' bar that we must all creep under to win work. The seeming pride with which some archaeologists/organisations advertise their ability to reduce client's costs to an absolute minimum, citing case studies should be questioned. How can this drive for reduced funding of archaeology, whether it manifest as ever fewer days on site, or the strangling of pay and conditions, continue to be legitimised by our profession ? Ever downward pressure on archaeological resources is simply not compatible with maintenance of standards, or creation of credible opportunities for individuals to pursue a career in archaeology, whilst enjoying a reasonable standard of living and job security. Doing nothing should no longer be an option.