Indian television has its glitz and glamour platform but it takes a lot of effort to actually put on a show which would please millions and make millions at the same time. The people behind the camera work hard enough to contribute to one big final product which is kind of touched with finesse. But do the people behind the camera actually feel they’re being valued by the “people in charge?”
The members of ‘The Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) have put forth certain demands which need to be met by the authority and if they fail to do so, a strike could be called for August 15 onwards.
The demands include Eight-hour shifts, medical insurance, accidental insurance, salary increase and job security.
Mumbai Live got in touch with Mr. B N Tiwari, President of FWICE.
People are not treated fairly. Issues like health, safety, hygiene are completely ignored by the production houses. Workers work for about 16 hours at the same wages. There’s one toilet for 70 people and you can imagine the hygiene levels of this toilet. There are no changing rooms for women. In 2015, we faced the same situation and we protested against it. We were promised that conditions would improve, a salary hike would be given but that never happened and after two years, we’re at the same stage.”
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.
Our employees are being treated like slaves and are intimidated by the people in authority. I have spoken to JD Majethia but he hasn’t been too cooperative. Production houses like Balaji Telefilms and Shashi Sumeet Productions want to help us out but the association in control doesn’t allow them to help us out.” B N Tiwari, President of FWICE
JD Mejathia is an important part of Indian Film and TV Producers Council.
The strike will roll out on August 15 and will be an indefinite one depending on if and when their demands are met.
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