A recent protest in London saw employees of the Danish architectural powerhouse, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), join forces with Unite union members to voice their opposition to impending layoffs. Approximately 40 individuals gathered outside BIG's Broadgate offices, protesting the ongoing redundancy process initiated by the studio.
The central point of contention revolves around the potential redundancy of 72 employees from a total workforce of 160, attributed to the loss of a significant project. Demonstrators passionately called for BIG to enhance redundancy packages and to engage in discussions with union officials to explore alternatives to the proposed job cuts. Chants, directly addressing studio founder Bjarke Ingels, referenced the substantial £7 million in dividends reportedly received by the company's shareholders, questioning the fairness of the redundancy decisions given the company's financial state.
The Unite union asserts that over 80 BIG employees have become members of the Section of Architectural Workers, yet the studio has reportedly declined to meet with union representatives. This refusal to engage has fueled the protest, with union representatives highlighting the unprecedented level of union membership within an architectural firm and expressing dismay at the employer's unwillingness to discuss employee concerns. Furthermore, the union raised questions about the possibility of relocating employees to other BIG offices in Europe, suggesting that this option had not been adequately explored, despite the company's active recruitment in other regions.
The events surrounding BIG's redundancy plans underscore the growing importance of employee advocacy and transparent communication in the corporate world. As businesses navigate economic shifts and project changes, the fair treatment of employees and open dialogue with their representatives are crucial for maintaining morale and fostering a positive work environment. This incident also highlights a broader trend of increased unionization and collective action within the architecture industry, signaling a changing landscape where employee voices demand to be heard and respected.