< News

01.07.2025 / News /

Awed’s story: No warning. no process. Just gone

“Being told I was no longer needed, just a day after the union notified management of a strike ballot, made it clear to me what this was about” Awed Nur, kitchen worker.

Awed Nur, a kitchen worker at Draughts—a trendy board game bar chain with branches in Stratford, Hackney, and Waterloo—was abruptly dismissed mid-way through his shift, just one day after UVW formally notified management of an upcoming strike ballot. This ballot, set to involve workers across all three Draughts sites, marks the first coordinated strike action in the company’s history.

Awed’s only ‘offence’? Organising with his coworkers to demand dignity, respect, and fair treatment at work.

Despite a spotless record and no prior concerns raised about his performance, he was unceremoniously fired. Draughts cited a “reduced need for staffing hours” as the justification—but Awed was on a zero-hour contract. If shifts truly needed to be cut, there was no reason to sack him outright. It’s clear to us this was a targeted act of retaliation for union organising.

Awed described the experience “I was completely shocked and humiliated. I had no warnings, no issues at work, and was simply doing my job. Being told I was no longer needed, just a day after the union notified management of a strike ballot, made it clear to me what this was about. I was standing up for my rights with my union, and they just threw me out like I didn’t matter. But I’m not backing down – and I know UVW has my back.”

UVW believes Awed’s case demonstrates the shameful lengths some employers will go to in order to intimidate and silence their workers. Awed had an impeccable track record, and his only ‘crime’ was to stand with his fellow workers and demand fair treatment. Sacking someone in retaliation for a strike ballot—especially after the employer refused to enter negotiations—is not only morally indefensible but also unlawful and cowardly.

UVW is standing by Awed and fighting back. We’ve launched legal proceedings, including a rare and urgent application for interim relief—an emergency legal measure that, if successful, would require Draughts to reinstate Awed immediately. Our record in winning these applications speaks for itself—and we intend to see this through.

This case matters—not just for Awed, but for every low-paid and precarious worker who has been told to stay silent, keep their head down, and never challenge injustice. We won’t let that happen.

How you can help:

• 📣 Share Awed’s story on social media and tag @uvwunion
• 📞 Contact Draughts and demand justice for Awed
• ✊ Join our upcoming public actions and show your solidarity
• 💸 Donate to the legal and campaign fund here >>

When they come for one of us, they come for all of us.

But we fight back. And we win.

SHARE