Team Herald
PANJIM: Drishti Lifesaving Services has terminated the services with immediate effect of those lifeguards, who have been protesting since October over the alleged non release of payment by the agency.
In a notice issued for violation of code of conduct, the agency has said that those who are still on the illegal strike are no longer employees of Drishti Lifesaving Services and have asked them not to wear the lifeguard uniforms. The protesting lifeguards have also been directed not to enter into lifeguard towers and have denied access to lifesaving equipments. They have also been requested to return their official uniforms by November 1.
The lifeguards have been protesting since October claiming that their salaries have been withheld since the last four months.
In a statement issued, Drishti has said that the show cause notices have been issued to lifeguards over the last two weeks. The agency added that they cannot consider it as a strike since ‘no notice or charter of demands has been shared with the management’.
“The company is following the procedures as laid down by the law of the country and has initiated disciplinary action on staff absconding from work. Termination procedures as per law have been initiated,” the statement reads.
The agency said that the training of new lifeguards is in progress and that they expect to reach full strength on active duty by November 30, in time to be fully equipped for the peak tourist season.
“The option to join back was offered to all lifeguards who stayed away with repeated deadlines till a day after Diwali. The company has paid all dues to its staff as well as bonus has been paid to lifeguards who are presently working. There are no dues outstanding,” it said.
It has further said that all beaches continue to be manned effectively by a team of highly skilled lifeguards, supervisors and trainers. In addition, the company has deployed additional equipment and resources to augment any operational gaps. They stated that the beaches are well supervised and are safe for visitors.
Further, visitors have been advised to listen to the lifeguards and restrict their entry into the water only in the swim zones.
