Solution in sight for Tollywood wage row. Film Federation Employees and Producers Council are at loggerheads over increase in wages and timely payments and this is disrupting the shootings of various films.
Now, reports are coming that the wage row is ending and solution is in sight for the problem. Veera Shankar, who is part of the coordination committee formed by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, comprising members from both the producers' side and the industry workers speaking to scribes shared “We had discussions for a few hours today, and no one spoke against each other. Everything went on pleasantly,”
He revealed “We are like one family and have worked together for years. We are hopeful that a positive resolution will be reached in a couple of days, after a few more meetings. As members of the directors’ forum in the committee, we will act as proper mediators between the producers and the cine workers.”
He continued “This camaraderie has existed since the days of the Telugu film industry in Chennai and continues even now. Technicians eat more meals on shooting sets than at home — we truly understand each other. People in the 24 crafts work very hard, and producers are well aware of it,”
He added “Of the four conditions set by the producers for agreeing to the 30 per cent hike, the issue of paying regular wages — not the double salary — for those working on Sundays needs to be sorted out; otherwise, both sides are in agreement on other demands.”
Reacting to the 30% wage hike demand, he said “We haven’t discussed the percentage hike today. But we will always support smaller producers, knowing that 80 per cent of Telugu films are small- and medium-budget productions. The federation wouldn’t want to burden them.”