Interest in an Archaeological Worker's Union.

Nutlog!!!

Providing any such an organisation conformed to national standards and, as much as was possible, the needs of its members, how many practising field archaeologists would agree to join (and contribute financially to) an archaeological field worker's union, be it part of a larger union or a separate organisation?

This poll is designed to reflect the honest feelings and fundamental interest of the majority of field archaeologists, it is not designed to reflect opinions about what constitutes good practice professionally. Imagine yourself signing an employment contract and deciding whether or not you will join the union.

Any criticisms of the format or content of this poll or its subject matter are welcomed.

Sealrock

Nutlog et al

As I recall, SIPTU had a branch where Archaeologists could join, I can't remember the details although If no one else can remember them, I'll be able to get them tomorrow.

The SIPTU branch came about in the late 90's following the formation of WIAG - Workers In Archaeology Group, I rember there was a lot of debate about joining either BATU, or SIPTU at the time.

Throwing my own tuppence into the debate, I believe for a Union to be meaningful, members must commit their own time and effort into making it work.

However even without joining (creating) an archaeology specific union, there are still advantages to joining a general branch, particularly as it gives you an option in the case of things going hairy with your current employer. (Also union subs are tax deductable)

I would also suggest that the IAI is an option for addressing specific archaeolgical options.

Regards

Sealrock

Nutlog!!!

Thanks Sealrock!

Yeah there's an ongoing discussion in the thread Irish Archaeology: A few money issues, and the SIPTU branch has been mentioned. Hopefully between that thread and this some debate will be aroused!

I wasn't sure about the particulars of the SIPTU branch's origins, its good to know! But someone in the related thread said its since been disbanded due to lack of interest, its this that I think should be explored more..this 'lack of interest'. Any thoughts???

Sealrock

Nutlog

I just read the other thread, and I realised I had already ref'd the SIPTU question.

In terms of debate, for a union or representative group to work, there has to be a clear desire to make it work and I don't believe this desire is there, we have seen on the other thread that the Galway Branch is dead. This is surprising given the regular complaints of conditions on sites over that time (although I would argue conditions of work are far superior now in comparison to ten years ago) Every year, on sites, pubs, offices etc there is the call to arms to establish a union however, the past number of years has seen unprecedented opportunities for archaeologists, and since 2002 we have had the numbers on the ground, and as such the critical mass to achieve reforms. We have also had key shortages of personnel, licence directors, specialists, supervisors etc giving us leverage and yet no initiative had been able to make any headway.

Indeed from the other thread what message does the non-payment of dues send to a union, why should they stand up for us, if we're not prepared to do it for ourselves.

Am I being too cynical to suggest that the conclusion for this lack of success is that we as potential members have not seen any value in being involved, (whether as corresponding officer, rep, or regular dues paying member) not because it won't address our concerns, but because ultimately we havn't been that dissatisfied with our conditions, and feel that there was no benefit to joining a union and wasting our time and money. Afterall over the past eight-ten years you could walk off one site and walk straight onto another.

Of course, with the current climate, this is the time, representation is needed, but I have a feeling our best chance at leverage is gone for the foreseeable future.

From thinking this through at the moment my advice would be to join an existing union, rather than try to build a new structure from scratch.

Any thoughts

Sealrock

Nutlog!!!

Some very good points Sealrock, and I agree whole-heartedly that, in general, workers aren't dissatisfied with their conditions and, as you say, could for a long time walk off one site and straight on to another.

My stance on the matter during my own field experience, though limited in comparison to most, has always been from a more idealistic or corporate perspective that a modern industry (or 'micro-industry') such as archaeology should have equally modern and professional standards of employer and employee rights protection.

I would also tend to agree that, for the time being, it would be advisable to join an existing union. But lets hope that there is still a chance to develop beyond that.

Would love to hear the views of employers in the field, any out there???

Watch this space!

(And an interesting early development with the poll...hmmm....)

Aelfric

I ceased to be a member of SIPTU ages ago because there was nothing but election notices coming from them, despite the promise of newsletters etc., but as I said on the other thread, they would only operate with 250 or more members. The guy running the Archaeology branch works out of the Galway office, which is why it was based there.

Anyhow, being a long-standing IAPA member (Irish Association of Professional Archaeologists), I decided that changing things for the better could only come from having influence with those who are in the upper echelons of the archaeological profession, so when IAPA became IAI (Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland), I joined the Board of Directors.

Nutlog!!!

Aelfric wrote: »

I decided that changing things for the better could only come from having influence with those who are in the upper echelons of the archaeological profession, so when IAPA became IAI (Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland), I joined the Board of Directors.

I wish I could join a board of directors of something heh heh!:rolleyes:

How much influence does the IAI have in corporate circles as a matter of interest?

Aelfric

Nutlog,

It all depends on what you define as 'influence' and 'corporate circles'. The IAI Board is made up of individuals who are company directors, academics, specialists, and field staff, representing the interests of professional archaeologists on both sides of the border. Some Board members are involved in the European Association of Archaeologists, Heritage Council INSTAR programme, Royal Irish Academy, Journal of Irish Archaeology, and other organisations. The IAI membership extends to all sectors, and is open to Students, Graduates, and Professionals, resident and practising on the island of Ireland.

Aelfric

Nutlog!!!

Cool, ok...

...How active or influential would you say the IAI has been over the years in the area of employer/employee relations regarding the commercial archaeology industry in this country?

I ask simply out of ignorance, as I know the organisation may not have necessarily been designed with the above in mind...just curious though.