Goa lifeguards go on strike over job regularisation

Panaji, Dec 29: Lifeguard services in Goa were disrupted on Tuesday, Dec 29 after several hundred lifeguards went on an indefinite strike, demanding regularisation of their services.

The strike was called by over 600 lifeguards, employed by a private beach management agency engaged by the Goa tourism ministry, according to Christopher Fonseca, general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress.

"We had given adequate notice about the strike to the Goa government. The lifeguards are providing a critical life-saving service and need security in employment. We are only demanding for regularisation of their services," Fonseca said on Tuesday.

Goa coastline, stretching over 100 km, boasts of some spectacular beaches which are popular with tourists.

Over the last few years since private beach management agencies have been recruited by the tourism authorities, lives of several hundred tourists have been saved along busy beaches.

Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar when contacted said the government was in touch with the lifeguard representatives and a solution to the crisis would be found soon.

"We are keen on listening to the lifeguards and solving their issues. A resolution will be found soon," Parulekar said.

The state is one of the top beach tourism destinations in the country.

IANS