The early stages of practicing architecture are often met with what many explain as "the slippery slope of being an architect", where expectations do not at all meet reality of the profession and gets worse as the experience progresses. With constant burnouts as a result of working overtime and on weekends on the account of “gaining experience”, extraordinary expectations, low wages, and physical and mental strains, the prestige of being an architect has evidently vanished with modern-day work conditions. So how can architects fight for their labor rights after years of exploitation and what is currently being done to ensure them?
2021 had its fair share of debatable incidents. Following almost two years of instability, extreme caution, and unexpected changes to day-to-day tasks, people no longer felt the need to stick to the traditional way of doing things, especially when it comes to matters related to the work environment. Although cases of corporate injustice, economic inequality, and lack of diversity have long been present in most industries, the pandemic changed the relationship between work and employees exceptionally, giving them the opportunity to verbalize their concerns, set their own boundaries, and ensure that their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are well taken care of.
