Lifeguards go on three-day strike over pay hike,regularisation

Lifeguards in Goa today began their three-day strike leaving all beaches across the state unmanned.
Striking lifeguards did not report to duty since morning and gathered outside state tourism department's head office here demanding pay hike and regularisation of services which was assured to them by the BJP-led state government.
"The state government has forced us to take this extreme step. We didn't want to strike but this is the only way we can grab their attention," said Suhas Naik, state secretary, All India Trade Union Congress.
The strike will continue till Sunday and later on decision will be taken whether to go on an indefinite agitation or not depending on the response of the state government, he said.

On a regular day, nearly 600 lifeguards man the 105 kilometre-long beach stretch and few water bodies in the hinterlands which are a big tourist attraction.
The lifeguards are employed by a private firm Drishti Lifeservices Private Limited which has won the contract from state tourism department.

In past, 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The strike was withdrawn following an assurance by Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and Goa Labour Minister Avertano Furtado.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 and dismissed the petition.