Members of Unite Archaeology set to “dig in for decency”

June 11th: Unite, which represents commercial archaeologists in Ireland, today announced that members working for consultancy IAC Archaeology have voted to take industrial action on foot of the company’s refusal to engage with Unite regarding a pay claim, either directly or in the Workplace Relations Commission.

Commenting, Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Richie Browne said:

“Wicklow-based IAC is the biggest Irish archaeological consultancy, with offices not only in the Republic but also in Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester.  Yet despite the company’s healthy finances and the fact that revenue is growing at approximately 20% per annum, a site assistant with nine years’ experience and a Master’s degree in Archaeology can expect to earn just €12.50 an hour. Unite served a pay claim on IAC, but they refused to negotiate with Unite either directly or in the WRC.  Our members have been left with no alternative but to take industrial action”. 

Jean O’Dowd is chair of Unite’s Archaeological Branch, and said: “IAC’s outstanding success is due to the commitment and expertise of their employees, including our members, and we are determined to ensure that they are treated with respect.  Unite today informed the company that our members have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action, up to and including full withdrawal of labour and the placing of pickets on IAC’s premises and anywhere else it carried out our business.  Our members will shortly be deciding what form the industrial action will take, and the date of its commencement, and we will notify the company accordingly.

“IAC should be in no doubt that our members are set to dig in for decency”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.