1st March 2010, 10:49 AM
The info posted about self-employment is most interesting. I know of one colleague who approached an accountant for help and advice regarding his employment on a self employed basis with the firm I am also working for, and basically the accountant laughed. The feeling was to his mind that we were indeed employed by the firm and not in reality actually self employed. It occurs that we are basically being employed on the cheap by the firm. I know of a few people who work almost exclusively for this firm and have done so for up to 4 years without any sickness, holiday or any other employment benefits! In the light of what has been posted, surely this is illegal?
Unfortunately considering the current economic situation and work being so thin on the ground people working for this firm are not likely to rock the boat. We are the lowest paid workers on the project the firm is currently engaged with. Recently it was discovered that other contractors are getting paid time and half for all work over the basic 8 hour day, where as the self employed archaeologists get only the basic hourly rate. There was much grumbling in the cabins, and a meeting with the core staff of the firm was convened. This meeting basically involved the PO telling staff that work over the 8 hour day carried out during the week was classified as extra work not overtime - only weekend work is overtime. So despite all the rumblings in the cabins nothing has changed , basically because people are not willing to get together and fight for their rights let alone being motivated enough to join a Union. The fear of not having any employment is greater than remaining in a work situation that is exploitative!
Looking at the overall situation, I believe what some archaeological firms are doing is ultimately wrong and would gladly see change to the situation for the benefit of myself and my colleagues, but sadly as far as the project I am working on, I am just a voice in the wilderness (and probably already marked as a troublemaker!)!
Unfortunately considering the current economic situation and work being so thin on the ground people working for this firm are not likely to rock the boat. We are the lowest paid workers on the project the firm is currently engaged with. Recently it was discovered that other contractors are getting paid time and half for all work over the basic 8 hour day, where as the self employed archaeologists get only the basic hourly rate. There was much grumbling in the cabins, and a meeting with the core staff of the firm was convened. This meeting basically involved the PO telling staff that work over the 8 hour day carried out during the week was classified as extra work not overtime - only weekend work is overtime. So despite all the rumblings in the cabins nothing has changed , basically because people are not willing to get together and fight for their rights let alone being motivated enough to join a Union. The fear of not having any employment is greater than remaining in a work situation that is exploitative!
Looking at the overall situation, I believe what some archaeological firms are doing is ultimately wrong and would gladly see change to the situation for the benefit of myself and my colleagues, but sadly as far as the project I am working on, I am just a voice in the wilderness (and probably already marked as a troublemaker!)!