Swedish NCP Finalizes Report on Worker Rights Complaint at Evolution AB Georgia

Evolution AB declined NCP talks, prompting the NCP to proceed with its review independentlyImage Source: Shutterstock.com

The Swedish National Contact Point (NCP) for Responsible Business Conducthas put out its final statement about a work-related complaint against live gaming powerhouse Evolution AB. The Social Justice Centerin Tbilisifiled the complaint on behalf of the Evo-Union trade union. It raised issues about work conditions, pay, and union rights at Evolution’s branch in Georgia.

Workers at Evolution’s Tbilisi Studio Strike, Prompting International Review of Labor Rights

The dispute, which kicked off in August 2024, focused on claims that the company did not meet the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These guidelines cover paying fair wages in developing countries, keeping workplaces safe, and respecting workers’ rights to form unions and negotiate as a group.

A big issue was Evolution AB‘s unwillingness to join in talks offered by the NCP. While the entity that filed the complaint was open to a discussion, the company kept saying that talks would not lead anywhere useful. Because of this, the NCPwent ahead with its own review and suggestions without the benefit of guided conversations between the two sides.

The conflict began in July 2024when employees at Evolution’s Tbilisi studio stopped work. They cited low wages, dangerous and unclean work conditions, and poor treatment by bosses. Earlier talks in Georgia had already broken down, leading the Social Justice Centerto ngake the matter to Sweden’s NCP.

Evolution AB Asserts Competitive Pay and a Modern Workplace Amid Worker Rights Concerns 

Evolution AB, which has more than 22,000 staff worldwide, stood firm that its pay packagescompete well and go beyond local norms. The company also stressed that it offers a new and well-kept workplace. This includes good air quality, planned rest periods, and areas for fun activities.

Despite these claims, the NCPheard different stories from workers and Georgian officialsabout job safety, union suppression, and rights violations. It also received reports about fights between striking workers and hired guards, leading the NCPto speak out against any violence from either group.

The NCPdid not make legal judgments, but it pushed Evolution AB to talk again with union leaders and to commit more to global labor rules. It also told the company to ngake action so workers can organize. The NCP will check again on the case in a year to see what has changed. It said again that it is ready to help if both sides want to have real talks going forward.