The statement comes after over 600 lifeguards, demanding re-instatement of 17 employees, regularisation of services and raising monthly salary to Rs 21,000 threatened to go on an indefinite strike from December 29 if their demands are not met. The strike call was given by AITUC that represents the lifeguard union.
“The exercise is to mislead 650 lifeguards in order to coerce the government to enable the said Union to fulfill a promise made to the 17 persons for which and from whom the Union collected registration fees and monthly subscription,” a statement issued by the lifeguarding agency alleges.
“Lifeguards should not strike considering the stated position especially when the period is the peak tourist period in the State. The strike call is illegal and unjustifiable,” it further reads.
AITUC claimed they had served 21 days notice to the government and Tourism Department on its failure to fulfill the promise in a joint agreement signed in November 2014.
On the other hand, Drishti said that lifeguards were informed of their salary and increment and duties and responsibilities at the time of employment. It has, however, declined to comment on the demand to hike the salary.
Regarding the demand to re-employ the sacked employees, the agency asserted they were never their employees and as such the demand is ‘absurd, irrational and without merit’.
“Of 549 lifeguards of the previous contractor, Drishti appointed 534 on the same salary they earned although there was no compulsion to pay any amount more than Rs 10,500 CTC. Not considered as suitable for appointment were 15 persons as they had a history of reporting to duty under influence of alcohol; consumption of alcohol while on duty; insubordination and absenting themselves from place of duty without notice,” the statement says.
