1st March 2007, 12:18 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by kevin wooldridge
"I don't want anyone to think that I disagree with any of the comments made so far on this thread (I don't). I also believe that this campaign could be make or break as far as archaeological wages go and would therefore encourage everyone to support it, through either BAJR, Prospect or the IFA/Diggers Forum.
My one criticism is with whoevers idea it was to talk of a 'living wage'? Surely we already get a 'living wage', it's not a good wage, but nobody could argue that in the majority of cases it is insufficient to 'live' on.
What we really want is not a living wage, but a stonking good wage that reflects both our physical and intellectual input into this profession and enables us to feel that we achieve a degree of dignity as a result of our labours. So any chance we could rename it 'The Campaign for a Stonking Good Wage for Archaeologists' (or any similar word that ends in -ing and means roughly the same thing)."
I would say, as an experienced digger who can command the princely sum of around £15.5 - £16k this is barely a living wage. When you have to move house every 6 months or year, it is not enough to live off. If you are younger and don't mind living in a large shared house or with your parents for the odd stretch it is reasonable. For someone a bit older or wanting some privacy / control over their bills and surroundings it is not enough to pay the bills and rent on the smallest dingiest flat in any British city, particularly if you add regular removal and deposit costs. It is the older people who have had to live this nomadic lifestyle off this wage all their lives who find it hardest. Personally I've got to the financial position where it is preferable to stay on benefit (where my rent and council tax is paid) and stay where I am until a local unit has work for me, and this can't be right! Agreed I could find work if I was willing to move again, or stay away from home for a stretch - again something older more experienced diggers are less inclined to do.
I am coming to the conclusion that regional franchising would be a very big help in allowing people enough stability to live off the low wage. But then, the industry seems to have survived so far with experienced people leaving in droves.
How some diggers can run cars I'll never understand....