FEATURE Unite Archaeologists


DIGGING FOR BETTER JOBS


Ireland’s archaeologists uncover better rights at work with Unite


Archaeological finds on construction sites are commonplace, particularly when the site is a tightly packed urban one with hundreds of years of history underfoot.


Though finding artifacts can cause delays to projects, they are a part of the heritage of the area and have real value for education, research, leisure, tourism and the economy.


In some cases teams of archaeologists will descend on to a site to catalogue and remove finds for future generations – the HS2 project claims that “more than 1,000 archaeologists, specialists, scientists and conservators will be exploring and recording over 60 archaeological sites for HS2.”


James Kyle is an archaeologist and chair of Unite Archaeology, a branch with nearly 200 members across Ireland. James explained workplace issues that branch members have to deal with and how Unite has been supporting these members since forming a branch in 2013.


James said, “As a branch we have to contend with a historically low paid job, lack of union recognition, poor terms and conditions of employment, poor


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Archaeology bosses who support the union pay more and treat their staff like their work is fundamental to their business, because it is


Maggie Kobik, branch treasurer, Unite Archaeology


working conditions on site, bullying, harassment and even racism all of which are detrimental to our members, their standard of living and mental health.


“With Unite’s support we’ve been able to fight to remedy many of those things and we’re currently on the verge of applying for a Sectoral Employment Order for our industry which would act as a legal minimum wage for new entrants to the profession.”


The branch is part of Unite’s construction sector. Similarities to other construction branches are it has members employed by many different companies – and it pays to be in the union.


James said, “I’m employed by an archaeological consultancy and the bulk of our members work for similar companies in the commercial archaeology/private sector. It’s apparent that those who are better paid and treated all work for companies who recognise, and in some cases even encourage, membership.”


Project director Maggie Kobik is branch treasurer. She said, “I love working on building sites, and it’s critical to the success of our projects, and the building industry as a whole, that the various contractors on sites get on well.”


Many construction workers don’t realise that archaeologists are fellow union members. Maggie feels that being a Unite member means they are taken more seriously onsite and seen as sector professionals, and “not just as slow movers who brush dirt all day.”


Being fellow Unite members is a “significant way to initiate camaraderie among different groups” on a project.


28 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2025


James agreed, saying that Unite Archaeology members often work closely with comrades across construction. Despite the potential for some friction between workers over differing site priorities James feels his experience of linking up with construction members has been very positive.


James explained, “There’s never any tension between us and fellow members, there’s generally a mutual respect, we’re all workers. It’s the senior managers, bosses and developers who try to put us all under pressure.


“We are often on site at the same time as our construction comrades on the initial phase of construction projects, although we’re usually long gone by the time the likes of M&E members arrive. We’ve always tried to work with construction branch colleagues on disputes and any workplace issues.


“It’s great to have construction members on site with us, they’re a great help recruiting new members, they simply won’t accept terms and working conditions which some archaeologists think they have to.”


Regarding site welfare facilities, or lack of, Maggie said having union backing can be the best way to resolve issues. “Some of the most basic necessities on site are often overlooked, including appropriate sanitary facilities.


“This goes for all genders, but women tend to suffer from a lack of private cubicles or stalls, hot water, or even any hand washing stations.


“Having had to negotiate with building contractor heads for these facilities, I’ve found the most effective way to resolve conflict over whether or not


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