12th January 2011, 01:37 PM
Beyond the social and history reasons there is also the practical reasons why a union would not work in the states. First we would have to coordinate every (at least 80%) archaeologists in all 50 states. Then reach every student at what 500 some colleges and universities so they don't cross the picket line.
IF, and man thats a big if, a union hasn't worked here were it is 500 x easier to set up- only what 40 schools to contact students and an area the size of PA so its easy to meet and contact every field tech.
IF, that happens it would still fail because companies don't need people with archaeology or related degrees to complete the work.
While its true that for federal and most state permits you need a degree (BA or MA) this requirement usually only applies to the permit holder not the field techs.
The saddest thing I have heard in a long time is that in Virginia some companies are using temps and sending out one permitted archaeologists to supervise. Temps- as in temps from a temp agency, as in the people you usually get to cover the phones if someone is sick.
No laws against it. The archaeology suffers but that hasn't stopped anyone in the past.
While most respected companies would never do this if there was a strike going on and push comes to shovel all current field techs. would be replaced in an instant.
IF, and man thats a big if, a union hasn't worked here were it is 500 x easier to set up- only what 40 schools to contact students and an area the size of PA so its easy to meet and contact every field tech.
IF, that happens it would still fail because companies don't need people with archaeology or related degrees to complete the work.
While its true that for federal and most state permits you need a degree (BA or MA) this requirement usually only applies to the permit holder not the field techs.
The saddest thing I have heard in a long time is that in Virginia some companies are using temps and sending out one permitted archaeologists to supervise. Temps- as in temps from a temp agency, as in the people you usually get to cover the phones if someone is sick.
No laws against it. The archaeology suffers but that hasn't stopped anyone in the past.
While most respected companies would never do this if there was a strike going on and push comes to shovel all current field techs. would be replaced in an instant.