Protesters Accuse Evolution of Violent Attempts to Quash the Strike

The hunger strike of Evolution Georgia workers continues as the trade union behind the initiative reported violent attempts to suppress the protest.

Evolution Georgia Workers Continue to Strike

The protests were launched in July following claims of low wages and poor working conditions. In mid-August, it turned into a hunger strike, drawing further attention to the ongoing situation.

The Labor union compiled a list of 40 demands, primarily focused on better pay and working conditions. The poor conditions have included workplace harassment, according to the workers. The hunger strike was prompted by Evolution’s continued unwillingness to comply with the demands.

Evolution workers hope that the protests will prompt the appointment of a mediator who would be able to reach a compromise.

Such a mediator is yet to be appointed but workers have now reported that Evolution has been resorting to violent means in hopes of discouraging the protesters. In a statement on Facebook, the union claimed that Evolution locked the hunger strikers inside the Evolution building, moved their belongings and prevented other protesters from entering.

Additionally, the company cut off electricity and drinking water for protesters in the foyer. To top it all off, the company banned striking employees from using the toilet.

Other measures have included threats of layoffs and health insurance suspensions. The company has also allegedly hired bouncers to enforce security.

Evolutions Slammed the Dangerous Protests

Evolution directed the blame toward the strikers, claiming that they were the ones forcing its hand. In an interview with NEXT.io, Carl Linton, the company’s head of investor relations, lambasted the strikers’ illegal and dangerous actions.

Linton attributed trespassing and vandalism to the workers’ list of illegal actions, saying that it has prevented thousands of employees from entering their workplace. This, in turn, has compromised the company’s operations significantly, Linton complained.

The head of investor relations slammed the hunger strike as an initiative that encourages young people to risk their health and break the law. Linton’s sentiments reflect the company’s overall attitude toward the hunger strike.

Evolution also firmly denied the claims that it has violated the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s guidelines on responsible business conduct.  

As the strike in Georgia rages on, so does the protest of the Culinary Union in Las Vegas. The union, which continues to push for a new 5-year union contract at Virgin Las Vegas, recently had several of its members arrested over alleged “civil disobedience.”