Draughts workers celebrated a unanimous strike vote with a rally and a police visit
"I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make sure we raise the industry standards and get treated fairly."
Workers at the London-based board game cafe, Draughts, have voted unanimously to strike in order to pressure ownership to negotiate with union representatives on fair labor contracts and improving unsafe work conditions. Staff and the United Voices of the World trade union held a rally outside the franchise’s Waterloo location on July 14, which included street art, demonstrations, and a brief interruption by police.
UVW’s press release claims that Draughts ownership called the City of London police on the rally, which was being held inside the Leake Street graffiti tunnel near the cafe. “An especially empowering moment was when management decided to call the police despite our gathering being measured and completely peaceful,” said a Draughts worker named Pearl.
Police reportedly confirmed the lawful and nonviolent nature of the action before dispersing. Workers claimed it characterized the combative relationship between them and Draught’s owners. “What does that say about the business reacting this way?” said Pearl.
