Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; January 22, 2015)

On Tuesday, we had reported about the shoot of Hindi and regional projects coming to a standstill with nearly 500 vanity van drivers and cleaners going on strike in support of a wage hike. The stir was called off yesterday as the van owners, fearing the wrath of producers, accepted the demands. The wages have now been increased by Rs 200 per shift. A source says, “Nearly 300-400 vans operate in Film City daily. So, when the drivers and cleaners stopped work, it dealt a blow to producers of various shows and films.
The drivers also staged protests in Film City and the owners had no option but to hold a meeting and give in to their demands.”

The source adds that though the owners normally get a handsome amount from producers for the van services, they don’t pay the drivers well. “Drivers used to get Rs 700 while cleaners were paid Rs 300 per shift. With a hike being effected, they will receive Rs 900 and Rs 500, respectively. Apart from this, their van maintenance has been increased by Rs 100,” the source states.

Salim Sheikh, chairman of vanity van drivers union says, “Our main demand was to receive payment on time. Also, we wanted crew members to treat us properly and look after our facilities. We held protests and they have agreed to our increment demands. Our wage hike will be effected from February 1.”