1st March 2010, 08:15 PM
Quote:David, just wondering since when have Unite had any archaeologists as members?
You will find them in Nottingham for example the Trent and Peak Unit. did lots to help them a few years back to extricate them from university 'issues'
I don't think it is productive to talk about memberships and size etc.. (to be honest they don't have many... but they are the largest union in the UK)
PROSPECT has admitted a drop in membership of 16% and what we are trying to do is reverse the trend across the board. Remember that UNISON also has archaeologists in its ranks. Do you feel it is divisive that UNISON has archaeologists? Nope... its not... what was discussed and is perfectly possible, is a cross union membership of a national representative body, where union membership is collective and a national group is formed that represents all unionised archaeologists... allowing for a united front to talk with and negotiate. There is no need to move unions for the unit, it requires union recognition only... ask PROSPECT... I have still been trying to talk with PROSPECT, as this is not about poaching or outflanking, this is about unionising - my last email is still unanswered - however the UNITE and PROSPECT exec know each other as friends, so they will chat and work things out.. I don't blame anyone for not responding to me, why should they, I am not in PROSPECT.. but it would be good to talk with me, as I want them to be part of this rather than just invited to comment...
PROSPECT does as you say have an image problem jsut now... and I hope they will sort that - I am sure they will. However, I can't really wait around for that to happen... there are people who are doing something right now.. so I am happy to be part of it.. (note part of it... not controlling or leading it) Here is the wake up call... so PROSPECT, UNITE and UNISON will stand together, archaeological staff will be represented and protected.
Quote:They also sorted some ground-breaking employment tribunal cases as well..Believe me, when this does happen (and it is coming) then with the backing of Three Unions... the fear of losing jobs, the fear of being marginalised, the fear of rocking the boat will dissipate... and the company will have one choice... start treating staff with respect OR enjoy a nice industrial tribunal.
I did check, and indeed they have big enough lawyers to find a loop hole, and will then have to be taken down again... Now how many archaeology companies could do that??
I have been gathering my own evidence over the last couple of years ... I don't want to see them fall, just be fair. After all, its their livelihood too.
The Federated Union of Archaeologists will stand for all shades of union membership - now... if you can ask PROSPECT to call me or send me an email... I would be grateful.
Nottingham went well... and all of it will be online soon... after all - there is nothing secret in what happened. :face-approve: