[Jewelry making - Article 00173] - Re: [Orchid] Should goldsmiths unionize/organize

[Melissa Veres]

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>      In this trade I would support any serious attempt to organize a
>     guild-like certifying body - whose duties to members include
>     skills training and other defined benefits re working conditions
>     etc. 

Marty,

    You have said more than a mouthful here. I am wondering about the
    Bench Certification that is offered (AGS program?) It costs a bunch
    to be certified, and previous threads reveal some mixed results as
    to whether it has been of great benefit to those who have undertaken
    the process. Mostly, it seemed like a good marketing tool for a
    retailer who can say that they offer "certified jewelers", instead
    of the monkeys who work for the competition. It might be a starting
    point, though, if jewelers who were certified could demand certain
    minimum salary levels, etc. Perhaps certification costs could be
    picked up by the state unemployment services, or offered by the
    employer as an incentive, like offering GIA training to sales staff. 

Melissa Veres, engraver and goldsmith  


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