3rd November 2012, 08:52 AM
Quote:The argument that ROs/employers cannot afford an increase is also a fallacy: most ROs already pay BAJR rates which are still above IfA minima. This is the first year that the IfA minima will have impacted on wages (is this a good thing?), ROs have signed up to the increases, they knew about them, and should have planned for them. Why should those that have planned for their responsibilities be at a disadvantage to those that gambled on no increase?Absolutely...
Quote:as a professional institute the IfA has no role in setting wages? Well, in my opinion low wages are the partial cause and symptom of lowered professional standards across the industry and are therefore directly in the IfA's sphere of interest as a professional body involved in setting professional standards.Here i would agree that it is the sphere of influence, but not the duty to set them.
Quote:Archaeology can’t function with ?30K Diggers, but a reasonable wage is possible and would improve standards and careers.
That is an important point to push home. a fair wage.. and sustainable one
Quote:Finally there is always the old chestnut that ‘cowboy’ units are undercutting the ‘respectable’ units and driving down prices. The DF challenged FAME to provide evidence for this but FAME could not furnish any evidence.
absolutely again... I am sick of this misconception that if somehow the small time archaeologists were pushed out, then everything would be fine. it smacks of blame without proof. and as archaeologists that is interpretation without evidence.!
So please read chiz's piece - and remember .. remember .. Join Diggers Forum and create a critical force.