12th March 2009, 02:53 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Plautus
Many diggers I've talked to believe that owners at MIFA level seem to have a huge say in the direction of the IFA, and that the needs of the AIFAs and PIFAs play second fiddle. This is also a reason that many low level archaeologist of my acquaintance do not join the IFA as they cannot see any advantage to themselves. I am in fact an IFA member, but I have great difficulty telling other young archaeologist why they should be.
Unfortunately just as the iFA identified a 13-53% (or whatever the actual figure is) shortfall in comparative wages, along came the recession. Lets just be thankful we're not in hyper inflation yet...the IFA is committed to getting the wages up, after the recession ends. I hope that is soon. They have committed to it, and won't find it easy to get out of, especially if people keep up the pressure.
If the diggers/processors and supervisors don't join the iFA, how can they be heard? Well they can join Digger's Forum for a fiver a year and get a voice in negotiations. But if enough site staff join the IFA, and elect their own to council....there are more of us than them.
PS another incentive to join...
I've just seen you now get 15% off at Cotswolds Outdoors on production of a IFA membership card, that's a pretty good deal and if you are into camping etc could save you a lot of cash if you need a new sleeping bag/goretex/tent. I wonder if Cotswold Outdoors is connected to the well-known archaeological unit of a similar name???