15.07.2025 / News / Draughts Bar

“Striking is not a game – but we’re ready to play”: Solidarity rally for Draughts Games bar workers

“An especially empowering moment was when the police arrived despite our gathering being measured and completely peaceful. The officers came and confirmed that there was absolutely nothing wrong with our rally.”

Pearl, UVW member and worker at Draughts Games Bar

Over 60 people gathered outside Draughts Waterloo on Monday evening to show support for the brave bar staff who have voted unanimously to strike over exploitative zero-hours contracts, chaotic scheduling, and unsafe working conditions. The rally – full of joy, colour, art, and resistance – was joined by supporters from radical games collective Games Transformed, live mural painting by street artist dukdukpaint, and a brief visit from police. It marked a powerful moment in the growing campaign for dignity and security in hospitality work. (Pics and videos below)

The workers, members of United Voices of the World (UVW), are demanding fixed-hour contracts, fair rotas with proper notice, paid on-site training, licensed security in the evenings, and an end to last-minute shift cancellations that leave them financially insecure.

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Among the rally’s many supporters was the radical games collective Games Transformed, who didn’t just turn up in numbers but also put their money where their mouth is — donating an incredible £1,000 to the workers’ strike fund.

Street artist @dukdukpaint live-painted a mural in the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel, honouring the workers’ struggle and bringing the message to life on the very walls outside Draughts Waterloo. “It was really nice to see the community come together to support us. Michael Collins spray painted a mural that really captured our sentiments,” said Shree, one of the workers.

Draughts worker Pearl (she/they) added: “When I saw the turnout yesterday I felt so relieved that we had a great crowd. So thankful at the support from not just fellow Draughts workers but also members of the public. Meeting people who came to support us, telling passers-by about our story… it was really energising.“

Despite the peaceful and celebratory atmosphere, the policed turned up. Officers quickly confirmed what was already clear to everyone there — the rally was entirely lawful, peaceful and positive. The move left supporters questioning why management would escalate a joyful show of solidarity in such a way.

“For me – said Pearl – an especially empowering moment was when the police arrived despite our gathering being measured and completely peaceful.The officers came and confirmed that there was absolutely nothing wrong with our rally.”

The strike vote follows weeks of ignored emails and broken communication. Workers eventually delivered their demands in person — only to be locked out of the venue as they peacefully read them. Watch the video here.

UVW is also taking legal action on behalf of Awed Nur, a Sudanese kitchen worker who was abruptly dismissed just one day after the strike ballot notice was issued. His case is now before the employment tribunal, with an urgent application for interim relief which could force Draughts to reinstate him.

Another worker, Brune {she/they}, said: “It was so great to see the great turnout at our solidarity event! I feel so grateful to have met some new people I could talk to about organising, it’s a lot less scary when we realise we’re all in this together ! Showing up in this peaceful and creative way really makes a difference to a day to day fight that can be overwhelming at times.“

The strike will be the first coordinated walkout in Draughts’ history, and a rare but growing sign of defiance in London’s hospitality industry. Workers at Draughts are sending a clear message: this isn’t just about one bar, it’s about setting new rules for a sector riddled with insecurity and exploitation.

Strike dates coming soon. Stay tuned. Keep showing up.

Join their action group here >>

Donate to their strike fund here >>