19th January 2010, 02:39 PM
Firmer national standards - absolutely. Until archaeology is taken seriously at the highest level, and some decent regulations are put in place to stop corners being cut, a union will never have the power to sort out the problems in the profession. However, it would be nice to have the profession seen as such - as a PROFESSION, not a hobby. Yes we do the job because we want to, because we enjoy it (for the most part) and because it's what we believe in, but it's nota bit of volunteering that's got out of control. It is, or should be, a career, and it would be nice to be taken seriously sometimes (I was asked once - "So, when are you going to get a proper job?").