2nd December 2008, 12:37 PM
I have been a member of IPMS/Prospect for a number of years and, apart from a period of about two years in 2000'ish have never seen or felt much targetted or proactive work from them. I have never had to use them for support so cant really comment on that.
However, I'd like to say that I see no reason why BAJR could not begin an effective union. Far from being a 'splitter' group I think BAJR is the single most coherent forum for the archaeological worker and it is well established. Yes, it is a legal minefield and, yes, there are issues of democracy/represenativeness and David's time to take into account. But, given what BAJR does already, and the ineffectual nature of the organisations available to the archaeologist at present, i think it is certainly not unhealthy to consider the creation of new groups and certainly not counter-productive.
Perhaps some sort of partnership with an existing union could be a way forward? That would potentially provide paid positions.
Anyway just a thought, ill now return to my apathetic moaning.
However, I'd like to say that I see no reason why BAJR could not begin an effective union. Far from being a 'splitter' group I think BAJR is the single most coherent forum for the archaeological worker and it is well established. Yes, it is a legal minefield and, yes, there are issues of democracy/represenativeness and David's time to take into account. But, given what BAJR does already, and the ineffectual nature of the organisations available to the archaeologist at present, i think it is certainly not unhealthy to consider the creation of new groups and certainly not counter-productive.
Perhaps some sort of partnership with an existing union could be a way forward? That would potentially provide paid positions.
Anyway just a thought, ill now return to my apathetic moaning.