The Rise of the Gambling Industry

Over the past 5 years, a new type of business has emerged in Georgia’s labor market – the gambling sector.
The majority of employees in this field are young people under the age of 30. In fact, within this age group, the sector holds a monopoly in terms of employment opportunities.

There are no student-friendly job opportunities in Georgia. Due to its flexible schedules, this sector allows students to continue their education while working. This is the main factor that pushes young people to enter the gambling industry as part of the labor force.

For businesses themselves, Georgia is attractive due to low taxes and cheap labor. In addition to the affordable workforce, companies have no difficulty finding staff who meet their high standards and speak several languages – a significant benefit for employers.

As mentioned earlier, the sector is new to Georgia. Youth Workers Take a Stand. Despite its distinct labor specifics, it has not been in the spotlight legislatively. This might be one of the reasons for the widespread violations of labor rights. Employees feel protected only when they join a union, though even that requires a degree of courage – there have been numerous cases of employer discrimination against union members. As a result, many workers prefer to remain anonymous union members for their own protection.

Young Workers Stand Up in Georgia

On April 7, such an anonymous member contacted Labor [union] and informed them that, in protest, employees in the company were refusing to perform their duties.

One of the employees was demoted against their will and in violation of the law, which led to a protest by the vast majority of their coworkers, effectively halting work.

Following this, Labor established a primary trade union organization, and negotiations took place over the course of a week.

The employer attempted to pressure the protest participants through their family members, relatives, and coworkers. The company employed classic intimidation tactics, spreading rumors about shutting down the company and leaving the protest participants unemployed.

The employees remained united and firm. As a result, on April 14, an agreement was signed, under which the employer committed to the following:

• Not to fire, discipline, or sue any protest participants for damages;
• To reinstate the employee whose demotion sparked the protest, in the same position;
• To initiate negotiations with the union within one month to improve working conditions.

This is yet another example proving that nothing can stand against the power of worker solidarity.

LABOR’s Expulsion and the Battle for Union Democracy

It’s also important to note that Labor chose not to publicize the protest in order to protect employees from potential interference by the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the Trade Union Confederation – a move that ultimately benefited the workers.

In February 2025, Labor was expelled from the Georgian Trade Union Confederation. The reason: the upcoming elections for top positions within the Confederation, in which Labor had announced it would present Giorgi Diasamidze as a candidate. Out of fear of losing power, Labor was stripped of its right to participate in the elections.

Since the moment the candidacy was announced, the Confederation’s leadership began a campaign of opposition and pressure against Labor. From that point on, Labor has had to fend off attacks not only from businesses and the government but also from the leadership of the Georgian Trade Union Confederation itself.