Strike Leader Suspended Just Hours Before Brighton Pub Walkout
Jake Marvin, a key strike leader at Brighton’s Saint James Tavern, has been suspended a day before pub workers stage a landmark strike. The move has been slammed as outright trade union victimisation by United Voices of the World (UVW), the union backing the bartenders.
Historic Pub Workers’ Strike to Rock Brighton
Bartenders at Saint James Tavern will walk out at 4:30pm on Saturday, June 25, demanding better pay and fairer working conditions. A second strike is planned for July 2, with further dates to come.
A coachload of UVW supporters is rolling in from London to back the strike rally, where local MP Lloyd Russell Moyle will give a supportive speech. The fight targets zero-hours contracts, low wages, and hostile management.
Allegations Against Strike Leader ‘Retroactive’ and Unfair
Jake Marvin was called to a disciplinary hearing days after official strike dates were announced. The hearing featured mostly retroactive accusations for which Marvin says he was never warned or given a chance to respond.
Despite his suspension, landlords have kept contacting him about work matters. UVW insists this is blatant union-busting and is preparing a legal challenge.
Jake Marvin, bartender and UVW member: “After we announced our strike dates, I was summoned to a disciplinary hearing. The allegations were mostly retroactive, with no prior warnings or meetings. I’ve been suspended indefinitely while this ‘investigation’ drags on.”
Workers United: 100% Vote to Strike
The all-UVW bartenders at Saint James Tavern voted unanimously to strike in May, with full turnout. They say they’ve hit breaking point over poor pay, zero hours, and aggressive employer behaviour. Several are also pursuing legal action over harassment claims including sexism, homophobia, transphobia, disability discrimination, and anti-Semitism.
Kate Flood, UVW organiser: “This disciplinary action is spurious and baseless. It came only after the first strike dates were announced. Suspending Jake for standing up for workers’ rights is union victimisation and won’t be tolerated.”
Tris Houseman, bartender and UVW member: “We’re striking for £11.50 an hour, an end to zero-hour contracts, full sick pay, and respect. Our struggle is shared by many bartenders who are fed up with being ignored and mistreated. Enough is enough.”
Petros Elia, UVW General Secretary: “Saint James Tavern must pay a living wage and treat workers with dignity. If demands aren’t met immediately, expect more strike days until we win justice—for the workers and the community.”
