PANJIM: As 54 striking lifeguards faced termination of services, a worried Goa tourism industry called for an end to the five-day old stir in view of a large number of tourists expected in the state for Christmas and New Year.
Around 400 lifeguards, employed by Drishti Special Response Pvt Ltd to man beaches in the state, are on a strike since Monday demanding higher wages.
"Lifeguard is a vital service on beaches. Last year, they saved hundreds of people from drowning. Attempts should be made to resolve the dispute between lifeguards and the company management as soon as possible," Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) spokesman Ralf D'Souza told PTI.
Presence of lifeguards on the beaches is vital as lakhs of visitors will throng the seashores for Christmas and New Year celebrations, he said. "We don't want Goan beaches to be termed as 'killer waters'."
The tourism industry can't intervene in the strike directly as the beach management contract has been awarded to a private firm (Drishti), D'Souza said. "Department of Tourism should act as a mediator and solve the issue."
As the strike continued, the company terminated the services of 54 lifeguards. "The services of 54 lifeguards were terminated as their conduct does not make them worthy of being appointed as lifeguards," a Drishti spokesman said. Show-cause notices have been served to 308 more lifeguards, he added.- PTI
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