FWICE strike called off; producers and members to sign a new deal

A lot has been said about the strike that was to hit the TV and Film industry from 3 October. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) members had demanded an increase in the daily wages and improved working conditions if the workers. This had led to an announcement of a non-cooperative indefinite strike by them. The producers continued to go ahead with the shoots, after getting a sanction from the high court. Also with workers attending their duty in time, the FWICE called off the strike. With them realising the futile attempt of this strike, the members have now warmed up to a different deal for the future. Shared a source, "The industry was completely against the strike and thus put in all efforts to avoid it crippling the shoots. With majority of workers deciding to work, the strike laid dead." When we buzzed J D Majethia, Co-Chairman, Indian Film Television Producers Council, (Hatsoff Productions) he shared, "Firstly I want to appreciate all the workers, technicians and other members who stood by the saying 'The show must go on..' and continued to shoot. It proves that nobody wants a strike." "We have always believed in 'work and talk' and that is why give priority to longer interest of all parties. We understand that FWICE wants a better life for workers, but if they had a very grave problem with us, the workers wouldn't had turned up to shoot on the day of a strike. Not a single show halted their shoots and the telecast also happened in time," he added. Producer Shyamashis Bhattacharya (Shakuntalam Productions), also an important member of IFTPC shared, "The strike was a 100 percent unsuccessful one as everyone reported to work in usual time. It is unfortunate that there have been few false reports that created a wrong picture. We are always open for negotiations and would always want our cast and crew to be happy. We have formed new clauses that would be now discussed among both committees. We are positive about a new and better change in the industry." Talking about the new deal that is to happen, JD shared, "We have been open to changes and offers in various conditions but making us restrictive would had not solved any of the issues. The MoU that they wanted us to sign was legally not permissible and was completely unfair. Now we have shared some clauses with the FWICE members who seem to have liked it and accepted it. There would be no restriction, no arm twisting of both parties so that in the long run, the industry benefits." Tellychakkar.com will keep you updated about the developments.