Archaeologists build for the future
Congratulations to our archaeologists’ branch which reached its target of 1,000 members in April.
In late 2016, the branch had just under 450 members. Since then, reps and others have worked hard to build Prospect’s strength and influence in the sector.
That strength and determination has been crucial in handling the fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Branch chair Jessica Bryan, who has just been elected to the union’s national executive committee, thanked members for their support and for reaching out to colleagues.
“Our aim is to continue growing the membership and the support we can provide so that as a branch, and as an industry, we are stronger now and in the future. And when the time is right, we will celebrate our unity, our friendships and the profession we love.”
But it is really tough for archaeologists right now – many of whom are freelance, self-employed or on short-term contracts.
Members are now being laid off with no pay because their employers cannot afford to pay their salaries while they wait for the government’s 80% safety net to kick in.
Prospect negotiator Andy Bye said:
“Our reps have been absolutely brilliant in recent weeks. Branch chair Jess Bryan managed to contact the relevant union/archaeology reps in Italy and this helped them to produce some excellent guidance for members in the UK.
“As well as talking to employers on furloughing, they have pulled together some excellent guidance on working on site during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
He urged members to stay in touch and keep an eye on the website as the advice is constantly updated.
Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said:
“I had the opportunity to engage with lots of our archaeologists in recent months and learned so much about their profession, how they are organising and the issues they face.
“The immediate task is to keep members safe. We are also tackling the impact of the economic lockdown on members generally and the self- employed in particular.
“I understand the nature of many archaeologists’ employment and we are using that knowledge in conversations with government and Treasury.
“We are committed to making sure no one falls through the various wage and income safety nets.
“I am proud that unions are currently part of the solution, rather than being painted as the problem. I will do everything I can to ensure that the work of unions – and their representative bedrock – will not be forgotten,” Clancy concluded.
