Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa United Workmen Union (GUWU) observed International Workers’ Day at Velsao, extending solidarity to workers across the State and calling for stronger safeguards for their rights and welfare.
Addressing the gathering, union president Olencio Simoes urged the State Government to strictly enforce all existing labour laws to protect workers’ dignity and ensure fair treatment. The union demanded a minimum 50 percent increase in wages, citing the rising cost of living and mounting economic pressure on working families.
GUWU also opposed the implementation of the four Labour Codes — Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code; and Code on Social Security, 2020 — stating that these would weaken existing protections available under current labour laws and affect job security, social protection and collective bargaining.
Raising concerns over employment practices, Simoes criticised the Government for inadequate monitoring and alleged that undocumented foreign nationals are being employed across industrial estates and other sectors. He said this trend is affecting job opportunities for local youth at a time when unemployment remains a concern in Goa, and warned of possible law-and-order issues if not addressed.
The union demanded that the State Home Ministry constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify establishments employing undocumented persons and initiate strict legal action. It also called on the Labour Department to conduct a comprehensive verification drive across business establishments and cancel licences of those found violating labour norms.
Further, GUWU sought legislation mandating a minimum 50 percent reservation for local Goans in employment across industries and commercial establishments, claiming that several units currently employ a high percentage of non-local workers.
General Secretary Arun Galve said the union will continue to press for fair wages, workers’ rights and protection of local employment opportunities.
