Gaming affiliates of UNI Global Union from around the world have pledged their support for online casino workers at Evolution in Georgia. These workers have been on strike since July 12.
Workers at Evolution, a Swedish-owned gaming giant, are fighting for safe and sanitary working conditions. They seek a livable wage and the right to collectively bargain with the company, among other demands. They employ around half of its 15,000 workforce in Georgia.
On October 16 and 17, the solidarity came at a global meeting attended by gaming unions from 15 countries in Helsinki, Finland.
Participants viewed a video introduced by an Evolution worker in Georgia, Tamar Ansiani. She endured nearly three weeks on hunger strike. The video highlighted the dangerous working conditions and harassment faced by Evolution employees, and their steadfast determination to continue protesting despite the presence of masked enforcers hired to intimidate workers on the picket line.
Servicios CCOO and UNI Europa Gaming President, Pilar Rato, stated that they have received a picture that is truly unacceptable. People who are going hungry. People who had to go back to work because they had no other choice. They cannot tolerate these things. But they still continue their fight — they are an example to them all. She urges unions to donate to the UNI solidarity fund for the striking Evolution workers.
Magnus Kjellsson from Engineers of Sweden stated that, together with Unionen, UNI’s other Swedish affiliate, they have been working hard to raise awareness of these issues in Sweden. This includes meeting with the CEO at Evolution. Unfortunately, the company’s response has been to reject any form of dialogue.
Janet MacLeod from Unite the Union in the UK revealed that Evolution provides online gaming services to Grosvenor Casinos in London, where they are organized. She also offered support to the workers in Georgia.
