Goa lifeguards to go on three-day strike from May 20

Lifeguards in Goa today announced a three-day strike from May 20, nearly four months after they first struck work demanding regularisation and pay hike.
"We have tried to hold a dialogue with the state government over our demands but they do not seem interested," All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) state Secretary Suhas Naik told reporters today.
He said 600-odd lifeguards, attached to private agency Drishti Lifesaving Services, who are manning the state's prominent beaches would go on strike from May 20 to May 22.
The chief demands of the lifeguards include regularisation of their services and hike in salary.

Meanwhile, the management of the lifeguard agency, said they have taken ample precaution and with Goa government's support have made adequate alternative arrangements to ensure the safety of tourists.
"As proven in the past, operations will not be disturbed," a statement issued by Drishti Lifesaving said.

"Drishti strongly condemns union leaders for misleading gullible and young lifeguards. The demands are completely opportunistic and unreasonable," it added.
"Should the demands be reasonable, what is the need to strike on a weekend and hold tourists and the state at ransom, when the same protests can be carried out in off-duty hours and off season," the management said.

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 The strike was withdrawn following an assurance by Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and Goa Labour Minister Avertano Furtado.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