Goa: Lifeguards to go on indefinite strike from May 15

Lifeguards, who protect beaches in Goa, have decided to go on an indefinite strike from May 15 to press for their various demands.
"We have been forced by the state government to go on an indefinite strike from May 15. Our demands are not met. Goa government is not willing even to sit across the table and discuss the grievances," Suhas Naik, State Secretary, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) told PTI today.
Among the demands of lifeguards include regularisation in services and hike in the pay scales, Naik added.
Total 650 lifeguards employed by private agency Drishti Lifesaving Services which has been contracted for the work will be striking, he said.

The lifeguards had struck work between December 29 last year to January 13.
The strike was withdrawn following assurance by Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and Goa Labour Minister Avertano Furtado.

Recently, Drishti Lifesaving Services had approached the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court seeking to pass an order staying any attempt of strike by lifeguards, who are covered under the Essential Services Management Act.
However, the high court had refused to pass any order while dismissing the petition.
Goa is known for its scenic beaches like Calangute, Colva, Morjim, Palolem, Baga among others.