Lifeguards stir: No solution in sight
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 9
Even four days after there is no solution in sight for the striking lifeguards issue.
While more than 50 percent lifeguards in Goa are on strike for four consecutive days, Drishti Special Response Services Pvt Ltd and the Government have failed to resolve the matter yet.
While Drishti has refused refused to accede to the demands of the lifeguards, the government continued to maintain distance.
Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik are on Japan tour since last month.
200-odd lifeguards attached to Drishti Services have boycotted work since Monday over demands to hike their pay.
On Tuesday, more than 150 lifeguards struck work after a batch of 85 lifeguards manning the coastal stretch from Miramar to Baga struck work on Monday.
“Though some presence is maintained on the 105-km beach stretch and we have worked out alternative arrangements”, a Drishti official said.
The negotiations have not yielded results so far, as apart from the pay dispute the striking lifeguards are also demanding suspension of senior lifeguards because of a scuffle among them at a lunch party on Sunday. Their third demand includes reduction of work hours.
The management has however reiterated that the lifeguards are ‘misguided’ by certain elements.
Speaking to Herald, Drishti Chief Operating Officer (COO) V K Kanwar said that they are interacting with the lifeguards on one-to-one basis to sort out the issue.
“Some are on flash strike though some others have decided not to join them. Among those who are on strike, some have volunteered to work without uniforms and have carried out minor rescue operations,” he said.
The management is however not in a mood to give in to the demands.
“They want increase in money but we cannot, because we are paying them as per the contract,” he stated.
Kanwar mentioned that a new entrant is paid Rs 6,500 with five percent hike every year, one month bonus and promotions to few of them. At present there are 40 lifeguards who have been promoted as Captains and are being paid basic salary of Rs 8,500 plus increment.
While, Supervisors are paid Rs 12,000 with increments, zonal heads are paid anywhere between Rs 20,000 and 29,000 and Sector Heads are paid upto Rs 35,000 or more.
He said that although few lifeguards, Captains and Supervisors are on strike, those holding higher positions have taken over beachfront duties till the matter is resolved.
“We have called lifeguards from Mumbai to man jet skies and other activities on the beach,” said the COO.
Lifeguard services on South Goa beaches are also hit due to the strike. A total of 460 lifeguards have been appointed by Drishti Services.
