WORKERS at a London architects are balloting on strike action after bosses threatened redundancy when they declared a pay dispute.

The strike ballot is thought to be the first in the history of private-sector architecture.

Workers at Atomik Architecture, members of the United Voices of the World union (UVW), want a 10 per cent pay increase, fewer hours, flexible working, paid training and recognition of their union.

UVW says that for months bosses ignored workers’ raising of issues including pay and conditions at the profitable firm. The workers wrote a collective letter to the employer, said UVW, and met management but no progress was made.

The union declared an official dispute and management responded by calling a redundancy consultation.

Union rep Jake Arnfield said: “In a sector which has had stagnant wages for at least 20 years, the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbated, particularly for those at the lower end of the pay scale.

“Numerous groups of architectural workers are looking very seriously at industrial action as one way to resolve this.

“If even a single strike happens, it could trigger a wave of strikes in architecture this autumn and winter.”

The Atomik workers said in a statement: “We are disappointed that Atomik has continuously dismissed and ignored our individual and collective concerns. 

“We were expecting to collaborate to improve conditions at the practice, but instead we have had months of empty promises and zero progress.

“We have all worked at Atomik for a number of years, but that loyalty has not been reciprocated in meaningful improved pay or working conditions. 

“We have been forced into this position: striking is our last resort.”

General secretary of UVW Petros Elia said: “We believe our members at Atomik are the first ever group of private-sector architects to ballot to strike, so if this strike goes ahead it will be an industry first, and one that all architects and members of the movement should get behind. 

“I call on Atomik’s bosses to negotiate with us and avoid what could become incredibly operationally and reputationally damaging strike action, which will receive the full support of our union.”

Atomik has been contacted for comment.