resolve stir soon: TTAG
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 10
As the lifeguards strike reached the fifth day on Friday, the tourism industry has said that the ‘matter should be resolved as soon as possible.’
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) spokesman Ralph D’Souza has urged that the conflict between the lifeguards and Drishti Beach Management Services be resolved for the safety of tourists thronging the beaches.
“Lifeguards play an important role on beaches. Attempts should be made to resolve the dispute. They had saved lives of hundreds of people along the shores, last year,” he said.
As many as 300 lifeguards from Baga to Sinquerim have boycotted work since Monday demanding hike in salaries, suspension of senior lifeguards for assaulting juniors during a dinner party on Sunday and reduction in work hours.
Acting tough against the strike, the management on Thursday issued show-cause notices to 308 lifeguards and terminated services of 54 trainees for not attending work. D’Souza said that the presence of lifeguards along the beach stretch is vital, especially during the peak season when the lakhs of visitors add up to the existing tourists here.
“We don’t want that Goan beaches are termed as ‘killer waters’ due to drowning. Since we can’t intervene in the matter as the beach management contract is at the hands of a private firm (Drishti services), we want that the Depart of Tourism act as a mediator and solve the matter,” he said.
