Evolution Georgia Workers Begin Hunger Strike Amid Ongoing Dispute Over Working Conditions

Tbilisi, Georgia – As of August 13, workers at Evolution Georgia, a branch of the Swedish online gaming giant #Evolution Gaming, have initiated a hunger strike after more than a month of unresolved protests and stalled negotiations. The strike, organized by the local trade union, comes as a last resort to draw attention to the severe allegations of poor working conditions that have plagued the company’s Tbilisi-based studio.

A Desperate Measure

In a statement shared with Malta-Media.com, the union expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing that the decision to embark on a hunger strike was not taken lightly. For over a month, employees have voiced their grievances through protests, seeking improved working conditions, labor rights, and better pay. However, despite continuous efforts and pressure from the Ombudsman of Georgia to engage in negotiations, Evolution Georgia has remained largely unresponsive.

“We are deeply concerned about this situation. The decision to start a hunger strike was not made lightly, but it has become the only option left to draw attention to our cause,” the union’s statement read.

The workers have accused the company of maintaining unsafe and unsanitary workplace conditions, inadequate pay, and managerial harassment. These allegations, initially reported in early July, have since gained traction, with Georgian media outlets highlighting the dire state of Evolution’s facilities and the mistreatment of its employees.

Evolution’s Response

Despite the mounting pressure, Evolution Gaming has so far denied any wrongdoing. The company’s head of investor relations, Carl Linton, previously stated that the company had not been officially notified of any strike action. He also noted that the union represents a relatively small portion of the company’s workforce, and that Evolution is committed to following local laws and due process.

However, the company’s response has done little to quell the concerns of the strikers. The union has accused Evolution of taking both legal and illegal steps to avoid meaningful dialogue, further exacerbating the situation.

The Path Forward

As the hunger strike enters its first days, the union has reiterated its willingness to negotiate and find a resolution. “Using such a hard form of protest and risking health is not our desired decision. For more than a month, we have been trying and waiting for steps to be taken,” the union emphasized.

The strikers have called on the public and the international community to support their cause, urging for the issue to be highlighted and addressed in a proper and impactful way.

Evolution Georgia, which employs nearly 8,000 people at its Tbilisi studio, has become a focal point of controversy in recent weeks. With the ongoing hunger strike, the situation has reached a critical juncture, and the actions of both the company and the workers in the coming days will likely determine the future of labor relations at Evolution in Georgia.

As this situation unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how a global gaming giant responds to the demands of its workers and whether a resolution can be reached before further harm is done.