5th March 2016, 11:50 AM
I'm interested in the idea of archaeologist refusing poor pay in order to drive up wages? Is there any evidence that this works effectively in the long term? Supply and demand is a very simple idea to understand, there is certainly some difficulty at the moment getting staff, especially for short term contracts but if I refuse to take a job in archaeology does this really have an affect or does it just leave me unemployed?
It's very difficult for unconnected individuals to have any impact collectivelly, it can happen but there are numerous solutions to a shortage in skilled staff who are prepared to work for the rates of pay archaeology offers, and a rise in pay is only one of them. I can see many solutions that don't have to involve a rise in pay, or could possibly result in a declinevin pay.
Would Unionisation work? I think there are plenty of good local reasons for units big and small to Unionise, health and safety, welfare, the correct allocation of holiday pay for short term staff. Unions impower people to speak out without fear but I don't think the structure of the archaeology industry is suited to large scale industrial action on pay. Maybe there are other things a unionised workforce could do, implementing levels of protectionism perhaps, but the current trend seems to be moving away from this and into free market ideas.
There is a smaller collection of individuals that could have a positive effect on pay, employers. Collectivelly they could be the solution to driving up standards, working conditions and pay. Pay is absolute responsibilty of employers, no one else.
Unfortunately I think there is a tendency to see employers, indeed for them to see themselves, as passive individuals subject to the forces of competition. Do they have any will to work collectivelly towards better pay and standards?
It's very difficult for unconnected individuals to have any impact collectivelly, it can happen but there are numerous solutions to a shortage in skilled staff who are prepared to work for the rates of pay archaeology offers, and a rise in pay is only one of them. I can see many solutions that don't have to involve a rise in pay, or could possibly result in a declinevin pay.
Would Unionisation work? I think there are plenty of good local reasons for units big and small to Unionise, health and safety, welfare, the correct allocation of holiday pay for short term staff. Unions impower people to speak out without fear but I don't think the structure of the archaeology industry is suited to large scale industrial action on pay. Maybe there are other things a unionised workforce could do, implementing levels of protectionism perhaps, but the current trend seems to be moving away from this and into free market ideas.
There is a smaller collection of individuals that could have a positive effect on pay, employers. Collectivelly they could be the solution to driving up standards, working conditions and pay. Pay is absolute responsibilty of employers, no one else.
Unfortunately I think there is a tendency to see employers, indeed for them to see themselves, as passive individuals subject to the forces of competition. Do they have any will to work collectivelly towards better pay and standards?