As the struggle between the suppliers and the Evo-Union continues, Evolution has been laying off staff in Georgia.
Last week, Evolution announced it would consider "mass layoffs" to address the ongoing strike action at its live casino studio in Tbilisi, thereafter confirming the initiation of the layoff process, reducing its Georgian workforce by 1,000 employees.
This global gambling supplier has attributed the layoffs to the union's "recent unlawful acts," which have led to Evolution's clients no longer operating live casino tables at the company's studio in Tbilisi.
Upon announcing the layoffs on its Facebook page, Evolution stated: "This was not a decision made lightly."
"It is the direct consequence of the union's unlawful acts, negatively impacting Evolution's operations in Georgia and damaging the perception of Georgia among Evolution's clients."
Evolution's statement read: "The local union's recent illegal actions have hindered Evolution’s operations in Georgia and hurt Evolution's clients, many of whom now no longer wish to operate their gambling tables in Georgia."
Evolution has termed the impact of the strike actions on its relationship with clients as "permanent damage," specifically citing the strikers' illegal blockade as the cause for the permanent layoffs.
To reassess its influence in Georgia's capital, Evolution has taken the first step by "moving most customer-specific gambling tables to its other global studios" and has already begun dismantling and removing its client tables.
The statement continued: "Evolution has created job opportunities for tens of thousands of first-time employees, offering young Georgians the chance to start their careers at an international company."
"We have always strived to create a positive, respectful working environment for our employees, offering fair compensation and opportunities for development. We could have done better, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to improve."
"It is deeply regrettable that the actions of a few have led to such consequences for so many."
With over 5,000 employees at its Tbilisi studio, Evolution stated that further layoffs might occur if the strike situation and its relationship with the union do not improve.
In July, Georgian media revealed that due to "unsafe and unsanitary work conditions, harassment by management, and meager wages," at least 5,000 Evolution employees were prepared to go on strike from July 12 in Tbilisi.
This led to Evo-Union members blocking the entrance to the live entertainment studio, preventing non-striking personnel from performing their duties, as the union upped the stakes on August 1.
As the strike actions intensified, Evolution expressed through Facebook that if the situation remains unchanged, it will "be forced to make operational adjustments," leading to its recent actions to reduce the number of its employees in Georgia.
