Striking employees of Evolution Georgia, a major provider of remote gambling services, on Tuesday initiated a hunger strike to protest the company’s working conditions.
The decision to escalate the protest was anticipated, with strikers previously indicating on August 2 that a hunger strike was under consideration. By August 8, they confirmed that it would begin on August 13.
“We have changed our form of protest several times, but the situation has forced us to start a hunger strike,” said one of the strikers. The protest is being held on Mechanization Street, near the Evolution Georgia facility.
The Agriculture, Trade, and Industry Workers Union Labor described the employees’ strike and hunger strike as acts of desperation. Tamar Ansian, Makhare Patashuri, and Luka Nadiradze are among those who have commenced the hunger strike.
The union claimed the company had mobilized unidentified individuals who have shown aggressive and provocative behavior towards the strikers.
“We urge the government, the president, the public defender, political parties, and NGOs to address the company’s actions and prevent young employees from endangering their health through a hunger strike. We hold Evolution Georgia fully responsible for any adverse outcomes,” the union stressed.
Following the announcement of the hunger strike, Evolution Georgia accused the union of disrupting operations and announced plans to lay off 1,000 employees and relocate some of its operations abroad.
The strike, which began on July 12, involves thousands of employees, according to the union. Their primary demands include better working conditions, salary increases, longer breaks, improved sanitary conditions, and a workplace free from discrimination.
