Union representation

[troll]

I remember the very conference sir! I heartily recommend that you write to Prospect and ask them why one should join them.They will send you a nice glossy leaflet outlining all they have done for us.Probably the most pathetic work of fiction I have ever seen and arguably, open to all sorts of litigation too. Unions see a large untapped subscription resource in the world of archaeology and that`s about it. I personally believe it`s high time we formed a lobby group that will aim to enlighten as many MPs as possible and push for reform.These people are elected to speak on our behalf-they dont ask for a subscription and, won`t attempt to sell you all sorts of other meaningless crap along the way either....not only that, our pantomime known as a democracy has all but annihalated any credibility unions once had.Thanx to Herr Thatcher and the new Bliar conservative party. Lobby groups-not unions.

[muddyandcold]

Wasn't there an attempt many moons ago to form a dedicated union for archaeologists (ACT - no idea what it initials stand for)?? It, i think, fell foul of diggers apathy. However, with all that has occured in the profession over the last couple of decades, maybe the time is ripe for another bash..

Power to the Digger

[Tim]

It stood for "Archaeologists, Communicate, Transform". It died in the 1980's.

Little Tim

[BAJR Host]

Phil.Carpenter@prospect.org.uk

Phil Carpenter
Negotiations Officer.
Prospect
75 - 79 York Road
London SE1 7AQ
Phone 0207 902 6618

Now I am not saying you contact him and ask what is going on... }

or am I.....[:0]

http://www.prospect.org.uk/aboutus/archa...fd5e2e4834
perhaps you could ask why the Prospect leaflet...
http://prospect.zedcore.com/doclib/misce...rchaeology
"our most recent initiative is a seven-point manifesto for archaeology" er.... that would be April 2003.. um... 2 1/2 years ago... has seen no further action..

words are cheap. actions speak

and gasp in awe at the units that have Prospect representatives
(though I did not realise that Historic Scotland, CADW or English Heritage were Units [:o)])

AOC Archaeology
Bath Archaeology
Cadw
Canterbury Archaeological Trust
Clwyd and Powys Archaeological Trust
Dyfed Archaeological Trust
English Heritage
Gwent Archaeological Trust
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust
Historic Scotland
Lincoln Archaeological Unit
NAC Ltd
MOLAS
Museum of London Specialist Services
Oxford Archaeological Unit
Pre-Construct Archaeology
Royal Commissions on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and Wales
Scottish Urban Archaeological Trust
Wessex Archaeology
York Archaeological Trust


and yes I made sure I have checked my AUP first!

Please write or email Phil and ask him what is happening... it would be good to know.....


Another day another WSI?

[Sparky]

Hmmm. Currently unimpressed with the clout of the union at the moment. Requested their assistance recently but they took days, no, weeks getting back to me. I took their late advice but my situation changed so I got back to them. I'm still waiting for them to get back to me months later. They must have something better to do such as supporting museum staff who get paid more than field archaeologists though don't have the benefits, e.g. blazing sun, freezing cold, the wet, the wind, the mud, the baked clay, the portaloo, the piles, the managers, the corner cutting, the cowboys, agressive contractors, crap and cheap accomodation, missing home, the thanks

[sniper]

do I detect a hint of bitterness, sparky

++ i spend my days rummaging around in dead people ++

[troll]

Sparky me old fruit-that has to be a title for the bajr conference! Never before have I seen a more appropriate indictement of all that is poo in the job.I lurve you!

[sniper]

you'd have to write small to get it on the posters but it does pretty much cover it all...

++ i spend my days rummaging around in dead people ++

[Illuminated]

That list of units with Prospect representatives includes at least a couple that are now no longer trading...

[mercenary]

Yep, what exactly have they done lately?

I was very active in Prospect a few years ago, and instrumental in getting recognition in two of the listed units. Did it make a bit of difference? Did it hell! I gave up my membership when I needed advice from their legal people and had a similar experience to Sparky.

What a complete waste of time. I unreservedly apologize to all those I convinced to join.