Federation of Western India Cine Employees threaten to go on strike; demand raises, job security

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has threatened to go on strike, demanding salary increments and job security. Among their demands are also eight-hour work shifts, accidental and medical insurance and workplace safety, reports Mumbai Mirror. [caption id=“attachment_3884355” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image from Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Producers’ associations, such as the Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Western Indian Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA) and The Film and Television Producers Guild of India Ltd were recently intimated of this through a letter. Employees will begin going on the sets and informing authorities about the strike on Saturday. Filmcity Goregaon has already been informed to cancel all shoots 15 August onward. Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, said that in 2015, the producers’ bodies had promised a hike of 13 per cent, 12 per cent and 11 per cent in the first, second and third year respectively, but that they have not fulfilled them. He added that workers are made to do 14-16 hour-long shifts, and that those in the TV industry have to work round the clock. Tiwari was in talks with JD Majethia, an important face of the Indian Film and TV Producers Council and producer of popular TV show Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. “He [Majethia] hasn’t been co-operative as far as increment goes. We decided to go on strike from 15 August as it’s a national holiday,” he said. In a move to show that they are unwilling to compromise, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has decided to remain on strike till 17 August even if their demands are met, so as to send out a strong message and ensure that all the terms are put on paper.