20th January 2010, 04:34 PM
Well I was a member of Prospect before so I can't say much has changed for me, but (and maybe its more than coincidence) I received a mail this morning from Louise Staniforth, the new Prospect organiser for archaeology. I haven't sought permission, but I imagine she wont mind me quoting some small parts of her mail:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and wish you a positive and happy 2010. In December, I was pleased to be promoted into the role of Organiser covering your area. Having previously worked as an Executive Assistant for the Senior Management Team and a Senior Executive Assistant on the Agriculture pitch for 2.5 years, this is a welcome challenge and I look forward to dealing with you.
We’ve had a challenging year at Prospect but are pleased with the outcomes of 2009 as a whole. But times are changing as I am sure you have noticed, and there are many issues facing members in all areas within Prospect. You, as employees within Archaeology, know that there is little sign that things are going to stop changing. A potential new government, cuts in funding, fitness for future… anything is possible. By standing together, we tackle these head-on. Over the years Prospect has done a lot to protect your jobs and virtually every day we see Prospect members, whether it be Branch Council members or a Local Rep, in action within Archaeology - trying to make it a better place for you to work. So, on that note, I would like to say a big thank you for your continued efforts throughout 2009. Although for the year, there has been a decline in membership of –16.7%, we will try and work together and turn this around for 2010.
Prospect has been dealing with the consequences of the economic climate which has seen a catastrophic collapse in the building industry. Many Archaeological areas have seen redundancies and, in an attempt to cut costs, changes to members’ terms and conditions. Throughout all of this, Prospect has sought to protect jobs, whilst where redundancies have been made, to ensure that they have been done fairly and legally. Many members have seen the benefit of our work ensuring that processes are fair and that redundancy payments are met in full. Prospect will continue to work with the employers during the coming year to seek to obtain agreements around job security and pay levels.
2010 is going to be a trying year. We need your continued support and drive in taking the union forward. The time to recruit your colleagues is now. If you are a non-member reading this, Prospect are a recognised trade union within Archaeology and are therefore able to negotiate pay and changes to terms and conditions that impact upon all staff. Furthermore, Prospect provide personal representation to all members who need it and will continue to do so. We have a policy not take on any cases that pre-date your membership start date, so join now before it is too late. Moreover, members recognise that belonging to a trade union is essential in the current climate and they see that Prospect are not only prepared to listen to their concerns, but also raise them at the highest level. Finally, in order that your voice can carry greater weight in discussions within Archaeology, it is essential that the union continues to grow. Please take time to speak to your colleagues about the importance of being in a union.
Yours sincerely
LOUISE STANIFORTH
Organiser
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and wish you a positive and happy 2010. In December, I was pleased to be promoted into the role of Organiser covering your area. Having previously worked as an Executive Assistant for the Senior Management Team and a Senior Executive Assistant on the Agriculture pitch for 2.5 years, this is a welcome challenge and I look forward to dealing with you.
We’ve had a challenging year at Prospect but are pleased with the outcomes of 2009 as a whole. But times are changing as I am sure you have noticed, and there are many issues facing members in all areas within Prospect. You, as employees within Archaeology, know that there is little sign that things are going to stop changing. A potential new government, cuts in funding, fitness for future… anything is possible. By standing together, we tackle these head-on. Over the years Prospect has done a lot to protect your jobs and virtually every day we see Prospect members, whether it be Branch Council members or a Local Rep, in action within Archaeology - trying to make it a better place for you to work. So, on that note, I would like to say a big thank you for your continued efforts throughout 2009. Although for the year, there has been a decline in membership of –16.7%, we will try and work together and turn this around for 2010.
Prospect has been dealing with the consequences of the economic climate which has seen a catastrophic collapse in the building industry. Many Archaeological areas have seen redundancies and, in an attempt to cut costs, changes to members’ terms and conditions. Throughout all of this, Prospect has sought to protect jobs, whilst where redundancies have been made, to ensure that they have been done fairly and legally. Many members have seen the benefit of our work ensuring that processes are fair and that redundancy payments are met in full. Prospect will continue to work with the employers during the coming year to seek to obtain agreements around job security and pay levels.
2010 is going to be a trying year. We need your continued support and drive in taking the union forward. The time to recruit your colleagues is now. If you are a non-member reading this, Prospect are a recognised trade union within Archaeology and are therefore able to negotiate pay and changes to terms and conditions that impact upon all staff. Furthermore, Prospect provide personal representation to all members who need it and will continue to do so. We have a policy not take on any cases that pre-date your membership start date, so join now before it is too late. Moreover, members recognise that belonging to a trade union is essential in the current climate and they see that Prospect are not only prepared to listen to their concerns, but also raise them at the highest level. Finally, in order that your voice can carry greater weight in discussions within Archaeology, it is essential that the union continues to grow. Please take time to speak to your colleagues about the importance of being in a union.
Yours sincerely
LOUISE STANIFORTH
Organiser
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...