10.02.2026 / Press releases / Draughts Bar

Trendy London Board Game Bar Draughts Faces Tribunal This Week Over Summary Dismissal of Migrant Kitchen Worker After Strike Ballot Notice 

 For immediate release 

Trendy London Board Game Bar Draughts Faces Tribunal This Week Over Summary Dismissal of Migrant Kitchen Worker After Strike Ballot Notice 

·         Draughts, a popular London board game bar, faces an employment tribunal on 12–13 February over the summary dismissal of Awed, a migrant kitchen worker and member of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union. 

·         Awed was dismissed immediately after UVW issued a strike ballot notice last summer, raising serious concerns of trade union victimisation. 

·         Despite being on a zero-hour contract, Awed was sacked rather than simply not being allocated shifts, suggesting he was made an example to intimidate the wider workforce. 

Awed, a kitchen worker from Sudan, was employed at Draughts’ Stratford branch when his trade union served formal notice of a strike ballot. The company terminated his contract the following day on the alleged grounds of a “reduced need for staffing hours”. However, the timing and circumstances seem to suggest the dismissal was retaliatory, linked to his trade union membership and activity, and intended to send a message to other workers. 

Awed, who had a previously unblemished employment record, received no prior warning, consultation, or due process before his dismissal. UVW argues this amounts to a clear act of trade union victimisation. Given Awed was employed on a zero-hour contract, the decision to terminate his employment entirely — rather than simply not offering work — raises serious concerns about the use of dismissal as a punitive tool in the hospitality sector. 

The employment tribunal hearing on 12–13 February will examine these issues in detail. Awed is being represented by the Free Representation Unit on behalf of UVW. 

Workers at Draughts went on strike last summer over issues affecting staff across all locations, including the use of zero-hour contracts, rota unpredictability, the use of QR codes for payment and tips, and inadequate on-site security. 

Draughts, founded over a decade ago and co-directed by Nicholas Curci, currently operates London branches in Stratford and Waterloo. Known for its curated board game collection and trendy clientele, the company had never before faced coordinated industrial action from its workforce. 

Awed, dismissed kitchen worker at Draughts and UVW member, said:   

“I had so many plans for my life when I was working at Draughts, and my dismissal has been devastating. I wanted to bring my family here to escape war in Sudan and that may no longer be possible as things stand. I feel I was dismissed through no fault of my own – I haven’t done anything wrong – and it happened just as I joined the union. I am happy to be a member of UVW because it’s supporting me through this difficult situation.” 

Petros Elia, UVW General Secretary, said: 

“This case raises serious concerns about the treatment of migrant and precariously employed workers in London’s hospitality sector. Awed was dismissed immediately after a lawful strike ballot was announced, despite having a clean employment record. The timing strongly suggests he was targeted because he stood up for better working conditions alongside his colleagues. Trade union victimisation is not only unlawful, it is a breach of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of association. No worker should face losing their livelihood for exercising these basic rights, and we hope this tribunal will send a clear message that such conduct has no place in our workplaces.” 

For further information, contact the UVW communications team:
  

Cristina: 07548 759340
  

Email: comms@uvwunion.org.uk  
  

About UVW     

United Voices of the World (UVW) is a grassroots union representing low-paid, insecure, and predominantly migrant and BAME workers, including cleaners, concierges, couriers, carers, and hospitality staff across London.  

ENDS 

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