Evolution Gaming workers on strike in Georgia

In July 2024, workers at Evolution Gaming’s Tbilisi studio in Georgia initiated a strike that has captured international attention. This labor action, which has now escalated to include a hunger strike by several employees, underscores potentially deep-rooted issues within the company. 

With Evolution Gaming being one of Georgia’s largest employers, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching consequences for both the company and the local labor market.

The Spark Behind the Unrest

The conflict began on July 12, 2024, when employees walked off the job to protest against what they’ve described as exploitative working conditions. Central to their grievances is the issue of inadequate pay. 

Reports indicate that live dealers at the Tbilisi studio are earning just $1 per hour, a figure that starkly contrasts with the city’s average hourly wage of around $5. Workers argue that their compensation is not only insufficient but also that the strict regulations around bonuses and benefits further compound their financial difficulties. 

Employees who fall ill or miss a shift often lose their bonuses, leading to even greater financial insecurity.

A Toxic Work Environment

Beyond the issue of wages, workers have also raised serious concerns about the physical working conditions in the studio. They describe an environment plagued by poor sanitation and safety standards. 

Complaints include dirty facilities, malfunctioning air conditioning, and leaking bathrooms. Perhaps most alarmingly, there have been reports of mosquito infestations within the studio, leading to health complications for some employees. 

These issues have not only affected the workers’ physical well-being but have also contributed to a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment with the company.

Escalation Through Hunger Strike

In response to what they see as a lack of meaningful action from Evolution Gaming, a group of four employees took the drastic step of launching a hunger strike on August 12, 2024. The hunger strikers, including Tamar Ansian, Makhare Patashuri, and Luka Nadiradze, have articulated demands that mirror those of their fellow workers: better pay, safer working conditions, and a willingness on the part of the company to engage in negotiations with their union.

Evolution’s Response and Potential Fallout

Evolution Gaming has responded to the strike with a firm stance. The company criticized the workers’ actions, particularly a blockade initiated by the union, which reportedly prevented non-striking employees from entering the workplace.

As a consequence, Evolution Gaming has announced plans to lay off over 1,000 employees from its Tbilisi operations. The company cites the blockade and the broader strike as having caused ”permanent damage” to its business, leading some of its clients to reconsider their partnerships in Georgia.

In light of these events, Evolution Gaming has begun the process of relocating many of its operations to studios in other countries. While the company has acknowledged that there are areas where improvements could be made, its actions suggest a reluctance to engage with the workers’ demands in a meaningful way.

Uncertainty and Implications in the horizon 

The future of Evolution Gaming’s Georgian workforce is now very uncertain. With the company already in the process of moving some of its operations abroad, the fate of the remaining employees hangs in the balance. 

Given the company’s significant role as an employer in Georgia, this situation could also prompt broader discussions about labor rights and working conditions in the country.

However, with the threat of large-scale layoffs looming, the immediate future appears precarious for the thousands of workers who depend on Evolution Gaming for their livelihoods.

As the situation develops, the international community will likely continue to watch closely, with many hoping that the dispute will lead to positive changes for those affected. Whether Evolution Gaming and its employees can reach a resolution that addresses the workers’ concerns remains to be seen, but the stakes for all parties involved are undeniably hig