27th January 2013, 08:45 AM
Quote:So I contend the problem is much deeper than simply pay minima it's where the pay comes from, and the legislation that governs it. I
i am afraid that is the true. the pay/conditions fight takes away from the real fight. the relevance and status of archaeology to government, development and public.
Squabble and fight to the bottom... like two sparrows locked in mortal combat - that is where we are just now.
If we could have rates that were at least reasonable, then i for one would no longer have grades... and teh ifa would not need minima. the grown up industry would pay decent wages, provide sensible conditions on a par with others. perhaps the 20k digger is a while off but a fieldworker should be able to earn 17.5k+ as a starter... and have a progressive rate. best staff go to the best pay... The red herring of pay could be placed in a drawer and the real work tackled.
But no... now even minima are under threat even paying people rates that we all agree are shite... is under the threat of legal challenge! Have i accidently found myself in a Dickens novel? Will archaeologists soon have to work for food, provided by the company out of a big bowl in the site hut?
Pay fair, and this is all over
Free Market does not mean cheap Labour