8th May 2008, 01:55 PM
This might not be the most popular suggestion with some on the forum but I think all options should be considered, even if they are rejected/shelved.
By introducing a 'barrier to entry' you could raise pay and status of archaeologists - a lot of discussion about this at this at the IFA conference.
For example: all commercial projects must be overseen by suitably authorised person(consistent with Valletta) - this could be done as IFA membership, RAO status or another system - more people would take up membership to ensure they could project manage/direct sites (probably supported by companies wanting to win work) - membership comes with recommended pay bands which are higher than those currently suggested and consitent with similar job roles in other industry areas. It would not be a fully closed shop as you wouldn't have to have membership to work, just to run sites/projects.
It doesn't neccessarily help those just starting out but if movement happens in one area of the profession it might have a knock-on effect? It also has to be consistent across the country and enforced to actually work. Its not a short term solution as it would need a lot of work to bring it in. It also has the problem that the overseeing body might start having to move into the trade union area rather than professional organisation.
By introducing a 'barrier to entry' you could raise pay and status of archaeologists - a lot of discussion about this at this at the IFA conference.
For example: all commercial projects must be overseen by suitably authorised person(consistent with Valletta) - this could be done as IFA membership, RAO status or another system - more people would take up membership to ensure they could project manage/direct sites (probably supported by companies wanting to win work) - membership comes with recommended pay bands which are higher than those currently suggested and consitent with similar job roles in other industry areas. It would not be a fully closed shop as you wouldn't have to have membership to work, just to run sites/projects.
It doesn't neccessarily help those just starting out but if movement happens in one area of the profession it might have a knock-on effect? It also has to be consistent across the country and enforced to actually work. Its not a short term solution as it would need a lot of work to bring it in. It also has the problem that the overseeing body might start having to move into the trade union area rather than professional organisation.