Evolution is cutting 1,000 jobs in Georgia in response to an ongoing strike, which it says has significantly impacted its operations in the country and eroded customer confidence.
The layoffs come after four weeks of industrial action initiated by a local union, which Evolution claims has severely hampered its ability to operate and meet customer needs.
Last week, the live casino giant threatened to reduce its presence in the country after the strike led to blocked entrances at its Tbilisi facilities and forced the closure of its studios.
“This regretful decision was not taken lightly,” Evolution said when announcing the redundancies.
“It is a direct consequence of the union’s unlawful actions and its negative impact on Evolution’s operations in Georgia, and the damage it has caused on Evolution’s customers view of Georgia.
“The recent illegal actions initiated by one of the local unions have hindered Evolution’s ability to operate in Georgia and has hurt Evolution’s customers, many of which now no longer wish to operate their tables from Georgia,” Evolution said.
Evolution plans to move many of its customer-specific gaming tables to other studios worldwide as part of the restructuring.
The supplier said the workforce reduction and the dismantling of customer-specific tables has already started.
The company warned that further cuts could follow if the situation does not improve and pending a full assessment of the strike’s impact.
The strike was reportedly triggered by allegations of poor working conditions at Evolution’s Tbilisi office and live gaming studio.
When the strike began in mid-July after trade union negotiations failed, the local trade union claimed that around 5,000 of Evolution Georgia’s 8,000 employees would support the strike.
Evolution initially downplayed the extent of participation, claiming that it involved only around 500 workers.
However, as of early August the situation escalated when the majority of morning shift employees, around 2,000 employees, did not report to work, further straining Evolution’s operations.
Evolution’s announcement has sparked backlash on social media, with many employees and the general public criticizing the company’s handling of the situation.
“This is an unfortunate attempt to blame the trade unions for their inaction,” one person commented.
“Ignoring so many dissatisfied employees will not make the company right and just.”
Others called on Evolution to start negotiations with employees, highlighting long-standing grievances about unfair treatment.
“Management has been reported for unfair and disrespectful attitudes for years. You have to apologize to those 1,000 people personally,” one commenter said.
In its statement, Evolution reiterated its commitment to respecting individual rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining but stressed that it expects all parties to adhere to the law.
“We have always done our very best to create a good and respectful work environment for our employees, with fair pay and development opportunities.
“There are things we could have done better, and we are committed to continuing to work for improvements also going forward.
“It is with deep regret that the actions of a smaller number of individuals brings these consequences for so many,” the company said.
Evolution also urged those considering protest actions to avoid jeopardizing their health or that of others.
The company emphasized that the layoffs are a direct consequence of the “permanent damage” caused by the strike and affirmed that the decision will not be reversed.