At a large gathering of all stakeholders in tourism from the peoples sector, they expressed strong condemnation of the decision to terminate the services of the Life Guards and, in stead, appoint new employees in their place. This is evidence of the rank disregard of Drishti to underpay and exploit their workers. Any employer found paying less than proper wages as set by legal standards, should be punished according to the law. CRT now intends to take up the case at the level of the Goa Commission for Human Rights and ensure that Drishti adequately compensates all those who are terminated. Alternately, Drishti should renegotiate with the workers and find ways to meet their just demands.
CRT endorses the demand of the striking workers for regularizing the services of Life Guards as employees of the Goa Tourism Department and to be treated as government servants. They are right in asking that all relevant laws be made applicable. In terms of their long term security, Life Guards will be assessed for their capacity to continue in their jobs on an annual basis. Those found to be incapable of serving as Life Guards will be offered jobs linked to the sector. These may include night patrolling, tower attendance, training, driving, Jet Ski operators, and guides for tourists.
CRT also reiterates demands that the 17 lifeguard workers who have been illegally terminated be reinstated with full back wages and continuity in service.
The Government of Goa must now intervene to be just and fair to the workers without whom tourism can go nowhere. Workers are the cornerstone of tourism.
