ARCHITECTS IN JOBS THREAT PROTEST
Members of Unite’s Section of Architectural Workers (SAW) drew support from fellow Unite members at a noisy demonstration in the City of London in February, reports Keith Hatch.
The members were protesting outside the offices of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) architects, about threats to slash its UK workforce by half with mass redundancies, along with the refusal to recognise the union and hold meaningful consultation.
Bjarke Ingels Group may like to boast about their spectacular and eye-catching designs, but the way they are treating their workforce is just shabby and cheap.
The employer had made redundancy plans despite luring workers, many from overseas, into joining the company to work on a new contract in Saudi Arabia. This has since fallen through, with workers expected to pay the price.
The firm announced that around 140 jobs would be at risk in December and is trying to force through mass redundancies on minimal and vindictive terms, while refusing to take part in meaningful consultations or meet with Unite.
In addition, it’s trying to intimidate workers into not engaging with their union – even though Unite represents over 80 workers at the site. Unite believes BIG’s actions are breaking employment law.
On the street outside, BIG workers facing redundancy were joined by fellow architects from other firms, along with members of Haringey and Barnet Unite Community and Unite Housing Workers.
No thanks – architects protest
Unite regional officer Declan Murphy said, “Bjarke Ingels Group is a hugely profitable Danish ‘star-chitecture’ firm who took a reckless gamble and have played fast and loose with our members’ livelihoods, viewing them as commodities rather than people.
“Now they are denying Unite a presence at redundancy meetings and repeatedly showing a complete disregard for our members.”
Unite reps put forward a workable solution of voluntary redundancy if it was more realistic, after surveying members. But the company responded by withdrawing the option for voluntary redundancy entirely and slashed redundancy pay to just 1.5 months.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “BIG’s behaviour towards its staff is nothing short of disgusting. It’s trying to rip workers off to protect profits after luring many of them from overseas with promises of secure work.
“Unite will publicly hold BIG to account until these workers receive fair and decent treatment.”
The solution proposed by Unite’s reps to settle the redundancies fairly is just a fraction of the £7.5m the hugely profitable Danish architectural firm paid to shareholders last year.
Workers at the firm were understandably reluctant to give their names, but one BIG worker said, “We’ve been told ‘we’re all victims of the same circumstances’ but partners and associates had their pay protected and also refused to take any cuts, while a third of us face redundancy. They’re not consulting, they’re forcing this through.”
7 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026
All images: Mark Thomas
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