United Voices of the World – Section of Architectural Workers (UVW-SAW), is a newly-formed grassroots trade union for architectural workers in the U.K. SAW collectively take action and fight against the negative impacts of architectural work on workers, communities, and the environment.
Members of SAW organise both in their workplaces and across the sector around overwork, under-pay, unstable employment, a toxic workplace and university culture, discrimination and unethical practice. Members facilitate collective casework, host training and events, and run campaigns.
For more information, we’ve been featured in these articles and podcasts:
Architects’ Journal, Do architects need a trade union?, Kate Youde (November 2019)
Building Design, Activists launch new union for architectural workers, Jim Dunton (October 2019)
Archinect, Architectural workers in the UK have formed a union, Antonio Pacheco (October 2019)
Architects’ Journal, Union criticises ‘extreme’ exploitation of architects, Kate Youde, May 2020
OUR DEMANDS
An End to Overwork
Employers should observe existing working time regulations, such as the 48 hour maximum week. Overtime should be optional, pre-agreed and paid. Lunch breaks, annual leave, and TOIL must be properly facilitated.
Transparent and Fair Pay
At least Living Wage for all employees, freelance and outsourced workers. An end to all unpaid work, including un/under-paid overtime, internships. Wages should be transparent and in accordance with company pay scales. Discrimination on basis of gender, migration status, parenthood, age, is not acceptable.
Fair Employment
Architectural practice should move towards being democratically controlled by their workforces: as employee-run-trusts, cooperatives or via worker’s councils. Practices must end hiring and firing cycles, and the use of punitive probation periods. Studios should facilitate career and education development.
