Strike by employees at Evolution’s Tbilisi studio. Mass layoffs looming
Employees at Evolution’s Tbilisi studio are striking over unsafe working conditions and low pay, causing significant operational disruptions. Evolution has warned that continued disruption could lead to mass layoffs if the situation isn’t resolved soon.
Strike action disrupts operations
The live casino studio of Evolution in Tbilisi, Georgia, is currently facing significant disruptions due to a strike by its employees. The industrial action, which started on 12 July, involves accusations of unsafe working conditions, harassment by managers, and inadequate pay.
Initially, Georgian media reported that around 5,000 employees were preparing to strike, although Evolution downplayed the numbers and potential impact.
Despite Evolution’s assurances, the strike escalated on 1 August when the trade union Evo-Union blocked entrances to the live casino studio. This action prevented non-striking employees from performing their duties, intensifying the situation and disrupting operations.
Potential large-scale layoffs
In response to the ongoing strike, Evolution has threatened to make “operational adjustments,” potentially leading to large-scale layoffs.
The company emphasized the regrettable nature of the situation, citing its six-year investment in Georgia and the negative impact on its working employees. Evolution expressed its concerns via a Facebook statement, indicating that if the strike continues, significant reductions in its Georgian operations may follow.
Evo-Union has accused Evolution of spreading disinformation. The union’s Facebook post refuted Evolution’s claims of offering a 30-50% pay increase to resolve the strike, stating that these claims were false and aimed at undermining the employees’ stance.
Solidarity among workers
Georgian news source Mautskebeli reported that around 2,000 workers did not show up to work on 6 August in a show of solidarity with the strikers.
One striking employee voiced strong criticism of Evolution’s management tactics, emphasizing that the company’s threats and intimidation tactics were unacceptable given its substantial profits.
“Evolution speaks to us only with intimidation and finger-waving posts. Neither the director nor anyone is above the law. It is unthinkable for a company with a net profit of €80m to leave the country and leave a profitable market at this level. It is absurd, lies and intimidation again”, he stated.
The strike has continued unabated, with Evo-Union documenting the latest sit-downs and blockades through live streams on its Facebook page. The union remains steadfast in its demands, seeking improved working conditions and fair treatment for all employees.
