14.07.2025 / Press releases /

100% YES: Workers at Draughts, a Chain of Trendy London Board Games Bars, Vote Unanimously to Strike 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday 14 July 2025

• Draughts workers have returned a 100% ‘yes’ vote in favour of strike action over zero-hours contracts, late shift cancellation and unsafe conditions.
• UVW union member Awed Nur, a Sudanese kitchen worker, was sacked one day after the strike ballot notice; his dismissal is being legally challenged with an urgent tribunal application for reinstatement.
• Prior to that, staff were locked out of the venue after peacefully reading their demands aloud to management.
• A public solidarity rally will be held on Monday 14 July at Draughts Waterloo from 4pm.
  

Bar staff at Draughts – the iconic board game bar chain with venues in Hackney, Stratford, and Waterloo – have voted 100% in favour of strike action, marking the first coordinated walkout in the company’s history. Strike dates will be announced shortly.

The workers, members of United Voices of the World (UVW), are demanding an end to exploitative zero-hours contracts and chaotic scheduling, including late shift cancellations that leave staff financially insecure. They are calling for fixed-hour contracts, proper notice of rotas, paid on-site training, a return to table service, and licensed security in the evenings.

Workers say that while Draughts markets itself as a fun and progressive venue, its internal working conditions fall far short of that image. After weeks of unanswered emails, staff delivered their demands in person, only to be locked out by management.

UVW has also launched legal proceedings on behalf of Awed Nur, a Sudanese kitchen worker who was abruptly dismissed midway through a shift, just one day after UVW served formal notice of its intention to ballot workers for strike action. An urgent application for interim relief has been submitted to the Employment Tribunal, as part of the fight for his reinstatement. 

Pearl, UVW member and worker at Draughts [she/they]:

“I feel really proud of all of us for coming together and getting this far. It’s not an easy thing to organise and it’s bittersweet to see all my coworkers putting in time and energy to fight for our rights. Like all people, we deserve to be treated with respect and our needs matter.  In a better world it shouldn’t come to a strike. But we are not afraid to stand up for ourselves!”

Brune, UVW rep and worker at Draughts [she/they]:

“I’m not surprised with the results of the vote but I’m delighted about it.All of us are pulling together in making our voices heard and I believe that this can only take us in a good direction. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make sure we raise the industry standards and get treated fairly.”

Petros Elia, UVW General Secretary, said:
“This is what happens when bosses treat loyal staff as disposable. Draughts markets itself as a progressive, inclusive space, but behind the scenes, workers face insecurity, poor treatment and no voice. These workers are standing up for safety, dignity and basic fairness. They’re bravely leading the way in a hospitality sector where exploitative practices are widespread and strike action is still rare, but growing.”

Solidarity Rally – Monday 14 July

Workers and supporters will rally outside Draughts Waterloo:

Date: Monday 14 July
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Draughts Waterloo, Arch 16 Leake St, London SE1 7NN

There will be food, games, and drinks as workers demand better conditions.

For more information contact the UVW comms team.

Cristina: 07548 759340

E-mail: comms@uvwunion.org.uk   

Notes for editors

United Voices of the World is an anti-racist, member-led, direct action, campaigning trade union and we exist to support and empower the most vulnerable groups of precarious, low-paid and predominantly BAME and migrant workers in the UK. We fight the bosses through direct action on the streets and through the courts and demand that all members receive at least the London Living Wage, full pay, sick pay, dignity, equality and respect.

ENDS

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