Guidelines for joining the union
Being part of the union means you're protected when you need it most.
The benefits of joining
Joining a union is never just about pay. We help all archaeologists by talking to employers to get better facilities on sites, to resolve individual grievances, such as harassment and bullying etc. Over the years we’ve also helped members with bullying issues, unfair and constructive dismissal cases, harassment and sexual harassment cases, gender issues and anything which we can. We don’t always talk about the circumstances or publicise it, but we fight and we win, for our members, and our profession.
But we can’t help where we don’t hear about issues. Let us know if things are sub-par at your worplace.
How much it costs
At just €0.72 - €5.46 per week, Union membership really is cheap. When you consider the peace-of-mind that union membership can bring to you when tough times inevitably arise at work, your €5.46 is money well spent.
Membership types:
The nature of archaeological short-term contracts means that we often find ourselves between jobs. This is why we here at Unite Archaeology recommend a varied approach to membership. When you find yourself between contracts/sites, contact Unite the Union customer service via the email address attactched to your membership confirmation email, to change your membership rate to ‘Unwaged’. When you return to work, just contact the union again, and they will reestablish your waged membership.
What you need
Unite Archaeology Ireland is branch of Unite the Union. As such, our members join us through their online sign-up portal. In order to join Unite Archaeology Ireland branch of Unite the Union, there are a few things you will need.
1. Personal and employment details (if applicable). Details include: whether you work full/part time (i.e., above/below 21hrs weekly) for the Enhanced Special Rate Membership; or, for the Special Rate Memberships, they ask if you are low-pay (less than €28,287 yearly), out-of-work/between contracts, a student, or retired.
2. An email address
3. Your bank details - to set up a direct debit
Enhanced Rate Memberships
Full-time (more than 21hrs p/w)
€5.46 p/w
Part-time (21hrs or less p/w)
€3.25 p/w
Special Rate Memberships
Low pay (under €28,287 per year)
€3.60 p/w
Unwaged (Unemployed, full-time education, and back to work)
€0.72 p/w
Retired
€0.66 p/w