Update on Hunger Strike and Recent Developments at Evolution Georgia

Below a statement from Giorgi Diasamidze, Chairman of Trade Union of Georgian Employees in Agriculture, Trade and Industry Georgia, Tbilisi.

As of August 17th, the hunger strike at Evolution Georgia has intensified significantly. Two additional workers have joined the strike, bringing the total number of participants to a growing number. Initially positioned in front of a large studio building, the hunger strikers have now relocated to the entrance of the main administrative building. This move enhances visibility and provides better security, thanks to surveillance cameras. However, the health conditions of the strikers are rapidly deteriorating. Although air conditioning and chairs have been provided, the strikers still lack access to restroom facilities. This situation is both unfortunate and inhumane. It is crucial for the administration and monitoring bodies to recognize that the strikers are enduring this hardship without food, as can be confirmed through camera recordings.

Background on Strike Actions:

The workers had engaged in 21 days of mediation with Evolution Georgia’s leadership, as required by law. Despite this, almost none of the 40 requests made by the workers were addressed satisfactorily.  The only demand the company deigned to agree to out of over 40 was marking some places as smoking areas. This decision is profoundly disrespectful, given that the remaining demands were far more critical to health and essential for proper working conditions. Consequently, the workers decided to go on strike, with all relevant ministry agencies being duly informed.

After the 12th of August, the strikers camped out in a tent while Evolution Georgia ignored their presence and failed to engage, even as strikers attempted to address the issue through TV and media platforms. After 21 days of living in the tent, the strikers began sitting at the entrance doors as part of a “chain of solidarity” to encourage their colleagues to show support. The police monitored the chain 24/7, making it impossible for the strikers to be out of line with the law, and Evolution’s lawyer was present as well. However, some of Evolution’s security personnel were rude to the strikers.

Recent Developments:

In response to the strike, Evolution Georgia offered non-strikers incentives, including the promise that their gaming mistakes would not be counted and that they would receive bonus pay for upcoming shifts, in an attempt to undermine the solidarity chain. During the night, the company illegally dug a door into a wall on private property without city hall authorization, aiming to bypass the negotiation process.

On the following morning, Evolution organized buses near a metro station, offering non-strikers transportation to avoid contact with the strikers and use backyards and backdoors. This plan failed as non-strikers refused to participate.

Additionally, Evolution management had no plan, so they told hundreds of non-strikers to wait without any clear strategy. As a result, many were left on the streets under the sun, and while they could have entered Building H, the administrative space was insufficient for the large number of people.

The hunger strike remains a vital and courageous stand by the workers, highlighting their urgent need for justice and meaningful negotiations. The harsh conditions endured by the strikers, coupled with the company's attempts to undermine the protest, underscore the critical need to address their demands. The main goal of the strikers is for their requirements to be met. We have already informed the government and called for the initiation of a coordination process between both sides. The hunger strike will continue until the goal is achieved. The responsibility for the health of the strikers can rests with the Evolution Gaming administration, as their decisions have forced the strikers to resort to such extreme measures. Continued support for the hunger strike is crucial to ensure that the administration takes the necessary steps toward a fair resolution. It is imperative for all parties involved to recognize the seriousness of the situation and engage in genuine dialogue to resolve the ongoing issues.

FAQs:

What is the main reason for the hunger strike at Evolution Georgia?
The hunger strike was initiated due to Evolution Georgia's failure to address over 40 critical demands related to health and working conditions, leading workers to take extreme measures for justice.

How has Evolution Georgia responded to the hunger strike?
Evolution Georgia has offered incentives to non-strikers and attempted to undermine the strike, but these actions have failed to deter the protest.

What are the current conditions of the hunger strikers?
The hunger strikers' health is rapidly deteriorating despite limited support, such as air conditioning and chairs. They still lack access to essential facilities like restrooms.

What actions have the strikers taken to increase visibility?
The strikers have moved their protest to the entrance of the main administrative building to enhance visibility and ensure better security through surveillance cameras.

What is the desired outcome of the hunger strike?
The hunger strikers aim to have their demands met through meaningful negotiations with Evolution Georgia, ensuring fair and safe working conditions.