STRIKING Brogans workers were joined by trade unionists on a picket outside the town centre café.

The staff stopped working on Monday over complaints about staffing levels, broken equipment and a lack of training.

Managers at Brogans have said the protesters “don’t know what they’re doing”.

Trade unionists joined Brogans workers outside the Havelock Square café on Saturday morning.

Read more: Brogans cafe workers strike in dispute with management over hours and hygiene

Jon Timbrell of the Swindon Trades Council said: “I think the workers here are asking for some completely reasonable stuff like proper contracts and decent pay. It is really important the workers come out in solidarity.”

He said the Swindon TC wanted to tackle alleged exploitation of workers: “We want to send a message that businesses shouldn’t expect to get away with it.”

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The strike outside Brogans Picture: DAVE COX

Chris Davis of Industrial Workers of the World said: “In the modern economy there are so many workers on appalling terms and conditions. This is an example and attention needs to be brought to it.”

One Brogan's worker, who asked not to be named but said he had worked at the café for a month and a half, told the Adver his colleagues and he had received no fire safety training and the store had no health and safety policy.

“We went on strike on Monday after giving them notice because of poor working conditions, including inadequate staffing, management, broken equipment,” he said.

“We’ve been stood outside saying it’s not on.

“I think we’ve got our message across to the people of Swindon and the owners have been very unwilling to talk, but we’re not going to lie down.”

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The picket line on Saturday morning Picture: DAVE COX

Workers say they have been fired since the strike started.

Independent shop Brogans opened in Havelock Square in July 2019 following a refurbishment but workers say it has had a high staff turnover since.

Vajay Kumar, a member of the management team, said earlier this week: “They don’t know what they’re doing.

“There is hot water working here, everybody can make allegations.

“This strike has had a lot of impact. We’ve lost two days sales and I will take them to court.

“I will not take them back. I’m teaching them a lesson.”

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The Adver attempted to contact Brogans for comment on Saturday’s demonstration but was unable to reach managers.

The shop appeared to close early on Saturday morning.

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The picket line Picture: DAVE COX