1st March 2010, 03:04 PM
Hi David, just wondering since when have Unite had any archaeologists as members? How many archaeologist members do they have at present? Whilst I agree that Prospect have been very quiet on national issues for the last couple of years (noting my previous posts about unions and membership), they do still represent more archaeologists than any other union I believe. I do think they were wrong and daft not to respond to your questions earlier in the year but do you feel that adding a third union to the mix will actually help archaeologists?
It will definitely make union recognition harder, and members will have to move betwen different unions more often to be in the right union for their unit. It will also potentially discourage activism and membership, especially amongst lower-paid/more junior site staff where increased membership and involvement is a major hurdle. If you are moving from unit to unit, and have to change from union to union are you more or less likely to stand as a rep/get involved?
Whilst there are real problems with Prospect they have a track record of helping members in the heritage sector, and are the most-recognised union I believe. They also sorted some ground-breaking employment tribunal cases as well...They do need a wake-up, but to be honest the thing that is really lacking is grass roots support and people prepared to put in their time. Will that suddely be different just because its a different union?
Back on-topic, the court's decision on sham self-employment sounds good, albeit as Unit points out they seem to have got around it. The situation with sham self-employed in archaeology is not good for anyone and hopefully there will be some changes soon especially if 'employees' of these 'units' are prepared to supply evidence.
Hope Nottingham was productive
It will definitely make union recognition harder, and members will have to move betwen different unions more often to be in the right union for their unit. It will also potentially discourage activism and membership, especially amongst lower-paid/more junior site staff where increased membership and involvement is a major hurdle. If you are moving from unit to unit, and have to change from union to union are you more or less likely to stand as a rep/get involved?
Whilst there are real problems with Prospect they have a track record of helping members in the heritage sector, and are the most-recognised union I believe. They also sorted some ground-breaking employment tribunal cases as well...They do need a wake-up, but to be honest the thing that is really lacking is grass roots support and people prepared to put in their time. Will that suddely be different just because its a different union?
Back on-topic, the court's decision on sham self-employment sounds good, albeit as Unit points out they seem to have got around it. The situation with sham self-employed in archaeology is not good for anyone and hopefully there will be some changes soon especially if 'employees' of these 'units' are prepared to supply evidence.
Hope Nottingham was productive