AM

The first strike was magical. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Months of planning had led to this point where we could finally hang up our aprons and say “sod it” to the toxic low pay, long hours and overall demeaning attitude towards workers in hospitality.

The strike began with a midnight walkout for the union members working the finishing shift in both striking pubs. We’d spent the last few hours making placards, practicing chants and generally enjoying ourselves. This was a celebration, and although emotions were high, we were in control.

As expected, head office employees and bouncers were on the doors of both pubs in an attempt to intimidate and discourage us. To put it bluntly: it really didn’t work! We were joined by hundreds of supporters across trade unions, local Labour parties and members of the public. For the first time I saw that we weren’t alone — we were on the right side of history.

Our demands were £10 an hour, union recognition, and an end to zero-hour contracts and youth rates. These are basic, floor-level demands. However, we obviously can’t rely on concessions from the top (else we wouldn’t need to strike). We have to fight from the grassroots up to secure a basic standard of work.