Draughts workers celebrated a unanimous strike vote with a rally and a police visit [Update]

[Update July 16, 2025: A previous version of this article state that the union and workers believed Draughts' ownership tipped off Metropolitan Police. A UVW spokesperson told Rascal that they "can't categorically say who called" the police on the rally. The union's press release has been edited to reflect this stance, as has this article.]

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 post claims that Metropolitan police arrived at some point during the rally, which was being held inside the Leake Street graffiti tunnel near the cafe. 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.

Rascal contacted Draughts management for comment and to inquire if they called police on their own workers — we did not hear back before publication.