Firmenarchäologie und Berufsverband: Archäologen zwischen Unternehmertum und Forschung

Abstract

Work within archaeology, particularly for those working on excavations, differs in several ways from the typical working world. There is a lack of risk management, and risk insurance cover, pension schemes are scarce, and development opportunities are greviously poor; for those working within the archaeology industry this represents the rule, as opposed to the exception. Many archaeologists, at the formation of a company lack the business experience and knowledge, and the willingness, to take responsibility for employees. Those archaeological firms who attempt to offer better working conditions, often end up struggling competitively. And, until recently, there was no existing regulating organisation within Germany. The State Authorities for Heritage (Landesämter für Denkmalpflege) see no scope, or point to the commercial role of the archaeology companies, however, and sometimes the authorities are also part of the problem. The trade unions are normally not responsible. Through temporary contracts and the competitiveness within the  archaeology job market, employees of these companies often experience the direness of this situation at least once. It means, compliance in enduring these circumstances is seemingly boundless, as those who complain, put their future within archaeology at risk. As a result of this concerning state of affairs, the quality of archaeological work suffers. Private archaeology firms have the ability to give the future of jobs within archaeology a chance; however, all those involved must adhere to the law A Code of Conduct is only effective if violations are penalised and good performance is rewarded, with the bonus that archaeology companies will perform better. Therefore, we need a professional association, which defends all professional archaeologists.