EVOLUTION VS LABOR

Courts rejected Evolution Georgia’s complaints to seize the property of strikers

As the public is aware, since July 12, 2024, a strike has been ongoing at Evolution Georgia, organized by the Labor. Throughout this time, the company has violated Article 64 of the Labor Code and refused to engage in negotiations. Simultaneously, the company has filed complaints against the trade union and the strikers with various institutions, including the courts.

To date, Evolution Georgia has filed three lawsuits against the strikers in court. One seeks to declare the strike illegal, while two others demand compensation for damages.

In support of the lawsuit to declare the strike illegal, Evolution Georgia requested a court order to prohibit Labor from blocking the entrances to the company’s premises. The City Court deemed the request unfounded, noting that picketing is an integral part of a strike. The Appeals Court upheld this decision, making it final.

In one of the lawsuits regarding compensation for damages, the company initially sought to freeze the real estate assets of nine respondents. Later, it requested the court to prohibit three respondents from selling, transferring, or encumbering their property (e.g., through mortgages). In both cases, the courts rejected Evolution Georgia’s claims, citing a lack of legal or factual grounds.

It is evident that the company’s intent is to intimidate the strikers through lawsuits and attempts to seize property, aiming to weaken and break the strike (which, unfortunately, has partially succeeded among some strikers). However, it is equally clear that the courts recognize the lack of factual or legal justification for Evolution Georgia’s requests to restrict the strikers’ property rights.

For the attention of members: this does not mean the legal dispute is over. Substantive hearings on all three lawsuits are still ongoing.