12th August 2010, 05:30 PM
Blimey, who even knows where to begin with all that??
Initially i'd like to say that everyone is aware that conditions are far from ideal within a number of companies across the world of Archaeology but i think that these problems aren't just confined to the larger companies currently dominating the scene. At least these companies can offer some form of job security and permanent contracts which must be a good place to start in raising standards.
Secondly, we need to remember that the majority of archaeological work is commercial and as such needs to be competitive in both cost and timescale. Remember, you are not on a research dig and haven't got time to stand back and admire your lovely section in that surprisingly interesting ditch you've just dug. However much it takes the romance out of your job, unfortunately sometimes you just have to get on with your job, like other professional companies, get the job done and move on.
We are not saving the world, curing cancer or changing people's lives and whilst we think we're important the sad truth is that the majority of other contractors you find on site simply don't think we are.
A degree of professionalism is needed just to make sure that people put up with us.
Small local jobs should not be dealt with by small local firms per se. These are often the bread and butter work of large companies and provide the steady income behind larger high profile jobs that may have a more minimal profit margin. On the other hand, whilst smaller companies with lower overheads are able to put in ridiculously small tenders for small scale jobs, this means that larger companies lose out to these people and whilst it may be acceptable to win yourself a job for which your happy to receive little above minimum wage, this means that larger companies can never place worthwhile tenders that would allow them in turn to pay their staff more. A bit of a catch-22 it seems. If you don't get the work you can't make pay conditions better.
I'm sure i had much more to say but i have run out of steam after venting my spleen somewhat, but i guess my main point is if it upsets you that much work elsewhere. I can't see things changing anytime soon!!
Initially i'd like to say that everyone is aware that conditions are far from ideal within a number of companies across the world of Archaeology but i think that these problems aren't just confined to the larger companies currently dominating the scene. At least these companies can offer some form of job security and permanent contracts which must be a good place to start in raising standards.
Secondly, we need to remember that the majority of archaeological work is commercial and as such needs to be competitive in both cost and timescale. Remember, you are not on a research dig and haven't got time to stand back and admire your lovely section in that surprisingly interesting ditch you've just dug. However much it takes the romance out of your job, unfortunately sometimes you just have to get on with your job, like other professional companies, get the job done and move on.
We are not saving the world, curing cancer or changing people's lives and whilst we think we're important the sad truth is that the majority of other contractors you find on site simply don't think we are.
A degree of professionalism is needed just to make sure that people put up with us.
Small local jobs should not be dealt with by small local firms per se. These are often the bread and butter work of large companies and provide the steady income behind larger high profile jobs that may have a more minimal profit margin. On the other hand, whilst smaller companies with lower overheads are able to put in ridiculously small tenders for small scale jobs, this means that larger companies lose out to these people and whilst it may be acceptable to win yourself a job for which your happy to receive little above minimum wage, this means that larger companies can never place worthwhile tenders that would allow them in turn to pay their staff more. A bit of a catch-22 it seems. If you don't get the work you can't make pay conditions better.
I'm sure i had much more to say but i have run out of steam after venting my spleen somewhat, but i guess my main point is if it upsets you that much work elsewhere. I can't see things changing anytime soon!!