United Archaeological Field Technicians

[Tim]

Heres an interesting site, it tells it as it is. For the North American scene but lots of it is applicable outside the US

http://archaeology.about.com/gi/dynamic/...2Fhome.htm


Little Tim

[disheartened]

hmm, much to read in that site, very interesting to see our problems are repeated across the pond. hmm, time to ponder how the "yanks" managed to organise themselves into something that at first glance looks like what we want over here...

[Oxbeast]

I liked their sample letter to unit managers. Seems to address many of the issues being discussed here at the moment.

"Dear President of CRM company:

It has been brought to my attention that you are overseeing an archaeological project where your employees are not being paid the prevailing wage legally required by Service Contract Act. Other state regulations may also apply.

Besides breaking the law, you are lowering the quality of archaeology. By preventing technicians from earning a living wage you insure high turn-over and inexperienced technicians."

A tad vague, but a good sentiment. Good on the Americans for unionising. At least we can all still see a doctor if we're laid off...

[deepdigger]

Hey, this is more like it guys!
This is something we could do with, a union for diggers only!
one out everyone out!
if we got together and stuck together, who knows what we could achieve, all we achieve at the moment is making other people wealthy.
I for one will not do this again!!

deep

[BAJR Host]

Real good... will contact them and see about
a) linking up
b) getting ideas on what we can do!

together we are stronger!



Another day another WSI?

[EarlySlav]

Right on the button. If archaeology is to continue in the U.K then a better system needs to be established where archaeologists are not working for low wages that make them look stupid for doing a job they love.

[leg11aug]

Hi Y'all, hope you don't mind my tuppence-worth. I'm not trying to be contentious here but; What are we actually WORTH? (money-wise that is!)
What I mean is..If we ever are in a position to bargain as a professional body, to which other profession would we compare ourselves in order to justify our claim to higher salaries? Teachers? Nurses? Social Workers? what do people think? Also, as far as strike action is concerned, would this effect developers? if so it could be a very useful tool. If, on the other hand, it simply meant that work could plough on regardless of the archaeology...I'm not sure where PPG16 would stand on that. Anyone know?
That'll do for now, makin' myself gloomy..

[troll]

In terms of "worth"-refer to the House of Lords reccommendations recently. See them as a minimum and we`re on the right track. This union thing sounds good.Will have a proper look when I`ve recovered from travel-induced Zombyism.

[the invisible man]

I suppose that, like anyone else, you are "worth" what someone will pay you.