15th January 2010, 08:43 PM
Hi all, first post and what an interesting one.
I am not sure a union would be any good despite the fact that I would agree to have one with reservation. I should emphasize that it is not just 'diggers' or 'site staff' who are poorly paid and feel put upon... everyone else does too. Who are you going to to aim union membership at? There are some pointers to bear in mind during discussion... these are not necessarily my own views. I am however concerned that a union would choose its battles badly and aim it at those companies who are actually good on the whole. Sadly you just do not see how good they were until you leave them. Some companies may appear to take the proverbial Michael but in other areas they are more than adeqaute.
Firstly.
It is not just the archaeological contracting units which drive costs and wages down. There are some consultants and their clients wish to keep their costs as tlow as possible and archaeology IS seen as a waste of time and money. What are you going to do with them? They are a big factor for keeping costs low. If a company turns round as says that reduction in costs is laughable, the client will find someone else less scrupulous.
Second
There are unions including Prospect and Unison (for those in local authority). Join those and you will increase their clout. There will also be shop stewards who are experienced in legal matters.
Third
It is not just site staff who are poorly paid and represented. Inhouse specialists and technicians who have a fantastic and unique set of skills are poorly paid and often not respected.
Fourth
Commerical Archaeology IS a profit making business. It relies on keeping clients, curators and staff happy to succeed- and not necessarily in that order. No work = no money= no jobs.
Fifth
Archaeology is changing yet again. There needs to be wholscale changes across the board. If increasing union representation is part of that then fine. But it need to be part of change and not separate to it.
Sixth
Working away is part of the job especially as there is not enough work to keep units going. Poor quality B&B's arent good. Sadly if there is a last minute job that comes in and you have to work away, poor quality accommodation is often all you get. It does not mean to say that the unit does not respect its workers.
Finally
Quis custodes ipsos custodiet
I am not sure a union would be any good despite the fact that I would agree to have one with reservation. I should emphasize that it is not just 'diggers' or 'site staff' who are poorly paid and feel put upon... everyone else does too. Who are you going to to aim union membership at? There are some pointers to bear in mind during discussion... these are not necessarily my own views. I am however concerned that a union would choose its battles badly and aim it at those companies who are actually good on the whole. Sadly you just do not see how good they were until you leave them. Some companies may appear to take the proverbial Michael but in other areas they are more than adeqaute.
Firstly.
It is not just the archaeological contracting units which drive costs and wages down. There are some consultants and their clients wish to keep their costs as tlow as possible and archaeology IS seen as a waste of time and money. What are you going to do with them? They are a big factor for keeping costs low. If a company turns round as says that reduction in costs is laughable, the client will find someone else less scrupulous.
Second
There are unions including Prospect and Unison (for those in local authority). Join those and you will increase their clout. There will also be shop stewards who are experienced in legal matters.
Third
It is not just site staff who are poorly paid and represented. Inhouse specialists and technicians who have a fantastic and unique set of skills are poorly paid and often not respected.
Fourth
Commerical Archaeology IS a profit making business. It relies on keeping clients, curators and staff happy to succeed- and not necessarily in that order. No work = no money= no jobs.
Fifth
Archaeology is changing yet again. There needs to be wholscale changes across the board. If increasing union representation is part of that then fine. But it need to be part of change and not separate to it.
Sixth
Working away is part of the job especially as there is not enough work to keep units going. Poor quality B&B's arent good. Sadly if there is a last minute job that comes in and you have to work away, poor quality accommodation is often all you get. It does not mean to say that the unit does not respect its workers.
Finally
Quis custodes ipsos custodiet