Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 25, 2017)

Things have come to a head following the ongoing workers strike called by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on August 15, demanding eighthour shifts, salary hike, accidental and medical insurance and workplace safety.

On Wednesday, a delegation of producers and broadcasters led by Punit Goenka, J D Majethia, Ekta Kapoor, Shyamashish Bhattacharjee and Nitin Vaidya met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to convey their reservations.

“The police are doing a fabulous job but we feel threatened by protests outside Film City and other studios. We requested the CM to provide security to workers willing to work and maintain law and order. He called the Police Commissioner (Datta Padsalgikar) and has assured us protection, not only till the matter is resolved but even for a while after that,” says Majethia, co-chairman of the Indian Film and TV Producers Council, adding that many of the demands have been met. “We’ve given them a hike and insurance. Hygiene and food are being taken care of, I don’t understand this protest at all.”