IN order to "make them pay" you are going to have to prove that you are a
superior employee as compared to the field. How does one measure job
performance in a museum. Does a superior museum employee catalog more items
in a month than a lesser employee, design exhibits that get highly praised
by the museum community or do they do exhibits which get high attendance
number and increase museum funds. The first example is silly, the second
sounds great but don't forget that the public has to be pleased also or we
do not accomplish our mission, and the last two can lead into a deadly
spiral of sensationalism in exhibits. In order to increase salaries then
the work of an employee has to be evaluated, careful evaluation based upon
the mission of the institution is difficult.
Steven Bush
P.S. As for an action to take, when you leave your position to attain a
higher paying one, whether in or outside of the field the institution will
realize that they either made a mistake or that the salary meets the job
market because someone took the job and performed just as well. AS long as
people are willing to work for that pay they will keep offering. In a sense
we are not biting the hand that feeds us we are giving it a manicure.
-----Original Message-----
From: Indigo Nights [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2000 3:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: MUSEUM-L Digest - 16 Jun 2000 to 17 Jun 2000 (#2000-167)
Ok, I'll take the bait and play devil's advocate here
(and some of you know how devilish I really am . . .
wink), just how are you going to MAKE them pay?
Are we talking work action? Are you going to unionize
and strike? How are you going to get the NPOs to pay
you what you believe (not saying I don't agree, but
that's beside the point) you are worth?
It seems to me, it's the case of One Monkey. You know
the adage, "One monkey doesn't stop the show." If one
of our monkeys walks, there's another one right behind
her/him to fill the void, who does want the job, and
will do it for the money for which you're walking.
Therein lies the rub.
How are you going to convince the public you need to
be paid more? From where will the dollars flow?
Grants? Did you know that only 4% of the charitable
dollars in America go to the Arts?
Are you going to increase admission fees?
Are you going to find some deep pocketed Sugar Daddy
or Honey Mama to support the NPO so they can pay you?
In the grand scheme of things, we all know there is a
right and wrong in life. It's wrong not to pay you
what you should be paid.
But life isn't fair. It just is. So,unless you're
going to squeak to someplace other than the wind and
this list, the status quo will be maintained.
Ye gads, I realize this may sound caustic. It's not
intended to be, but where are you going to find
"justice" when the only ones to whom you are wailing
is Just Us?
P.S. Let's not forget that right and wrong are
subjective.
--- John Martinson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Yes, many boards need to become enlightened on the
> economy and profession.
> If they want the educated, the qualified, the
> experienced....they are going
> to have to pay for them or end up with the poor-end
> (less qualified or
> motivated) of the candidates.
=====
Indigo Nights
[log in to unmask]
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