16th March 2007, 05:17 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by voice of reasonLooking at it in a hard-nosed and unemotional way, one of our biggest problems is the sheer number and diversity of providers, all fighting competitively. Take some out, merge others and prices can rise by the absence of competition.
I just knew that I shouldn't have bought my Dad that economics book for Christmas!
The problem with VoMD's reasoning is in the practice. The last time that UK archaeological companies enjoyed a monopoly, (in the period 1974-1991 when many archaeological units had a geographic monopoly), archaeological wages did not increase by any great shakes.
Infact, if anyone were to argue that the problems and malaise in present day archaeological pay, were a direct result of the 1974-1991 monopoly, they wouldn't hear any dissent from me.