Three employees from Evolution Gaming in Georgia have started a hunger strike to demand the company address 40 demands organized by the union.
Three employees from Evolution Gaming in Georgia have begun a hunger strike to protest the company's refusal to negotiate their demands.
The dramatic protest by the three workers was initiated by the UNI Global Union Georgia branch, which is responsible for organizing online dealers and game hosts through the EVO union.
The strike gathered hundreds of employees at the Tbilisi studio, following allegations of poor working conditions, insufficient wages, and management harassment.
Initially, it was estimated that at least 5,000 employees participated.
With the support of the union, Evolution employees have compiled a comprehensive list of no less than 40 different demands awaiting approval.
At the top of the list is a significant pay raise, including 100% raises for different positions such as card shufflers, service managers, and game hosts.
An unofficial estimate provided by the union states that the average monthly net salary for shufflers is 600 Czech Birr (221 USD), while dealers earn 900 Swiss Birr (332 USD).
According to the company's annual total wage expenditure, the union mentioned 1.12 billion GEL (41.7 million USD).
This results in an average monthly salary of about GEL 1,200 (442 USD) across the entire business.
The Labour Party explained that this figure is inflated as it also includes the high salaries of management and the wages of employees at global offices located in the country.
The union further mentioned Evolution's claim that before starting operations in Georgia, they researched the average wages for young and unskilled labor and decided to set wages slightly above their respective averages.
Other demands from the union include a 5% wage increase every six months based on experience, timely payment of wages, and wage indexation reflecting current inflation.
The strikers claim that in the past six years, Evolution has not made any significant increases to their salaries.
They also demand adjustments to working hours, vacation policies, improved occupational health and safety standards, a series of facility improvements, software-embedded tipping features, and for Evolution to cover the costs of employees' uniforms, makeup, and shoes.
