VASCO
The Goa United Workmen Union (GUWU) observed International Workers’ Day at Velsao, showing solidarity with workers across the state and calling for stronger protection of their rights and welfare.
Addressing the gathering, GUWU 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 per cent increase in wages, citing the rising cost of living and growing financial pressure on working families.
GUWU also opposed the implementation of the four Labour Codes — the 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 and affect job security, social protection and collective bargaining.
Raising concerns over employment practices, Simoes criticised the government for poor monitoring and alleged that undocumented foreign nationals are being employed in 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 it is not addressed.
The union demanded that the state Home Ministry set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify establishments employing undocumented persons and take strict legal action. It also called on the Labour Department to carry out a comprehensive verification drive across business establishments and cancel the licences of those found violating labour norms.
Further, GUWU sought a law mandating at least 50 per cent reservation for local Goans in jobs across industries and commercial establishments, claiming that many units currently employ a high number of non-local workers.
General Secretary Arun Galve said the union will continue to push for fair wages, workers’ rights and the protection of local employment opportunities.
