Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; July 29, 2017)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the film industry workers' union, will go on strike from August 15. The cause, they say, is the producers' bodies like IMPPA and IFTPC) and their failure to revise their remuneration. Dilip Pithwa, FWICE General Secretary, says, "When we went on strike in October 2015, we were told that we'd get 11 per cent wage hike in 2016 and another 11 per cent in 2017.

Pithwa adds, "We didn't complain about not getting the increment last year. Now, we are only asking for 11 per cent, which most filmmakers have agreed on, but the TV producers claim that [it will be difficult for them since] they are not doing well. I've spoken to broadcasters and they have agreed to pay 7.5 per cent of the sum. The TV producers only need to shell out 3.5 per cent."

J D Majithia of Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), says, "We have agreed to the 7.5 per cent hike and the workers agreed to it too."

Going on strike, says Pithwa, was the only available option for FWICE, because the members are upset about not being taken care of by the producers. "We lost four production executives on set due to stress. Our members work beyond working hours and don't even get paid for their phone bills and conveyance," says Pithwa.