WHO is UVW-SAW and WHY are they fighting to unionize Architecture?

Stephen Drew hosts an open discussion with UVW-SAW about unionising architecture, overwork, underpay, unstable employment, toxic workplace culture, university culture, discrimination, ethical practice and collective action in the profession.

Show Notes

Unionisation in architecture raises difficult but important questions about work, pay, culture, ethics and how people in the profession organise for change.

Stephen Drew hosts an open discussion with UVW-SAW about unionising architecture, including overwork, underpay, unstable employment, toxic workplace culture, university culture, discrimination, ethical practice and collective action.

The conversation covers:

• Who UVW-SAW are and why they are organising in architecture
• How overwork, underpay and unstable employment affect the profession
• Why workplace and university culture are part of the same conversation
• How collective action connects to ethics, communities and the environment
• What workers in architecture may want to change

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▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKKLOjGa17c

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/who-is-uvw-saw-and-why-are-they-collectively-fighting-to-unionize-architecture/

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to UVW-SAW and unionising architecture
• 03:52 Why unionisation is being discussed in architecture
• 06:06 Overwork, underpay and unstable employment
• 14:33 Union representation and lessons from earlier architecture unions
• 20:07 Redundancy procedures and workplace support
• 32:14 Organising in workplaces and across the sector
• 36:21 Protecting members and democratic representation
• 38:58 Getting in touch about workplace concerns
• 40:39 How industry culture could change
• 49:07 Final questions and where to find out more
• 50:25 Closing reflections on the profession

Creators and Guests

Host

Stephen Drew

Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.

What is Architecture Social?

Architecture has always been social. Careers should be too.

Hosted by Stephen Drew, the Architecture Social podcast brings you honest conversations from across the UK built environment. Architects, practice leaders and the people shaping the profession talk openly about their careers, their work and how practice really runs.

Expect straight talk on salaries, portfolios, hiring, progression and running a practice, from Part 1 students looking for their first role to directors building their teams.

Architecture Social is more than jobs and hiring. It's a place to share work, discover opportunities, hear honest conversations and build connections across the industry.

This is Architecture Social. Come and be part of it.