Panaji: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Goa, has urged the Government of Goa to ensure that Saturday, December 20, 2025—the day of the Zilla Parishad elections—is implemented as a paid public holiday for all workers and employees across the state.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, AITUC Goa General Secretary Christopher Fonseca stated that although the state government has declared December 20 as a public holiday to facilitate voting, confusion is being deliberately created to prevent workers in industrial establishments, factories, and commercial units from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Fonseca alleged that several employers have issued notices compelling employees to report for duty on polling day and have even threatened disciplinary action against those who fail to attend work. Such actions, he said, amount to a direct violation of workers’ fundamental right to vote.
AITUC has called upon the state government to intervene immediately and clearly declare December 20, 2025, as a paid public holiday, ensuring that all workers and employees in industrial, factory, and commercial establishments are able to freely participate in the democratic process without fear of victimisation.
The trade union reiterated that safeguarding the voting rights of workers is essential for upholding democratic values in the state.
