22nd February 2014, 04:31 PM
Tool Wrote:To someone like me, where money is so tight, and also unlikely to be in a position to be publishing anything, there is a lack of a 'I support the aims of the IfA but am skint and not at a level that the P/MIfA grades cover' grade.
Yes, there is an element of 'so what can they do for me?', given that they are not in a position to guarantee wages or any concrete method for increasing them, cannot address the temporary contract issue, don't/can't uphold best practice in archaeology because they don't apparently understand it themselves and can't/don't punish those who do it badly.
PIFA membership requires the following... 'open to those who have undertaken skilled tasks within the historic environment sector under the guidance of others, and have carried out responsible work under a level of supervision' I think that covers your current level of responsibility and competence.
If you are getting the IfA minima wage the subscription at this level will be £69 per year (payable in instalments) so less than a packet of fags per month, plus as Sadie pointed out before, you can get tax relief on your subscription which could reduce it to less than £1 a week. Many employers pay all or part of IfA subscriptions. So it could be free....I don't really see what the publishing connection is.
I think it is important to realise that there is nothing for free in the profession of archaeology. That applies as much as to membership of the IfA as it does for any expectation of an increase in benefits or remuneration. My observation based on 30+ years experience is that fulfillment of expectations is normally directly related to the level of input that people are willing to make....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...