STAFF at a London pub called time today on alleged workplace victimisation and zero-hours contracts by taking unofficial strike action.

Workers at the Ivy House pub in Nunhead, south-east London, downed tools without notice at the beginning of Sunday service.

The members of the Bakers, Food, and Allied Workers’ Union (BFAWU) allege that staff members have been unfairly sacked for attempting to unionise the shop floor.

Staff at the Ivy House pub in Nunhead have gone on strike over 4 colleagues sacked without reason or warning.
Sending all #solidarity and support to our comrades down in SELondon! Reinstate the staff #savetheivyhouse #SocialistSunday pic.twitter.com/fuoxUny0MM

— UniteCommCamden (@UniteCommCam) September 30, 2018

The Star understands that the workers filed a request for union recognition to the pub’s management committee, which a union member says was “completely ignored.”

The turning point came last Wednesday when four workers said they were sacked on the spot by management.

When workers asked why they were facing dismissal, the management allegedly claimed that no explanation or investigation was needed because the workers were employed on zero-hours contracts.

However, disgruntled staff organised to strike today, with workers flying union flags and hanging banners from the pub’s rooftop. Local well-wishers also joined organised pickets and helped push for local support on social media.

The demands of the workers are to immediately reinstate the four sacked union members, for management to officially recognise the BFAWU and for an end to zero-hours contracts in the pub.

Currently, negotiations between the management and workers are ongoing, with one deal offered by the management already rejected by the workforce.

The management of the Ivy House, which is London’s first co-operatively owned pub, did not respond to repeated attempts to reach them for comment.

BFAWU national president Ian Hodson told the Star: “I’m proud of the way these workers have stood up to a bully to stand with their sacked colleagues.

“It’s shameful that workers are being forced to take such drastic actions, but commendable that, despite the precariousness of their own employment, they refused to accept this injustice.

“No longer is it acceptable to exploit workers and no decent employers should use zero-hours contracts or dismiss workers without a fair hearing.

“This walkout shows that employers who do this are now at risk of their workers taking action to ensure they receive justice in the workplace.”

On Twitter, Mr Hodson urged supporters to join the workers on the picket line.