PANJIM: The beach lifesaving response along the coastline could be hampered from May 10 onwards as hundreds of lifeguards have decided to go on an indefinite strike. Backed by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Goa, recruits of Drishti Lifesaving Services have taken this decision as the government continues to go back on assurances made to them.
“We have decided to boycott work indefinitely from May 10 onwards. Until then, the government has time to meet the assurances made to the lifeguards about fulfilling the demands,” All India Trade Union Congress convener Suhas Naik told Herald.
Last week, Drishti’s plea before the High Court of Bombay at Goa – that sought restraining lifeguards from going on strike – was dismissed as withdrawn giving lifeguards the liberty to boycott work.
The government, in January 2016 had assured to ensure reinstatement of 17 ‘victimised’ workers, raising monthly salaries to Rs 15,000 per worker, and constituting a committee under the Contract Labour Act to report on abolition of contract worker and regularising services. None of the assurances have been met.
