IfA - A Chartered Institute

[kevin wooldridge]

I don't quite understand your point. IfA has a minimum salary range for registered organisations. It consults on the increase or maintenance of that salary range, but does not enter into negotiations or act as agent for negotiators. All the IfA says on career progression is that a member shall 'recognise the aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers with regard to all matters relating to employment, including career development, health and safety, terms and conditions of employment and equality of opportunity'. (I know that is a particularly vacuous statement because I was on the IfA committee that drafted that particular principle and 'twas me that came up with the wording for that clause!! Mea Culpa!!)

I can't quite see how (or why) you continue to equate IfA and the trade unions. Under chartered status the IfA would still maintain its status of NOT being or ACTING like a trade union. Trade Unions or their ilk would continue to be the only bodies through which archaeological workers could collectively negotiate improvement in pay and conditions. The chasm between the actions and intent of the IfA and the trade unions would continue irrespective of whether the IfA achieves Chartered status...(Or as it is more properly described in the latest IfA bulletin 'Royal Charter' status.....!!)