Strike By Tn Film Industry Workers Enters Third Month

The film industry workers strike in Tamil Nadu has entered into its third month. All efforts by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) administration to settle the dispute between the producers and the film industry workers have been futile with both sides sticking to their stands.

While the Federation of Film Employees of Southern India (FEFSI), which represents the workers, is awaiting a court judgement, the producers have chosen to go ahead with the job of making movies by hiring fresh hands.

The Tamil Film Directors Association which broke away from FEFSI has recruited freshers to cope with the crisis. Over a two-month period, the Association has taken in about 3500 people and trained them on the job. It has not cost the industry much as most of the work involves just basic technical skills, says G Venkateswaran, a leading city-based film producer.

 

At the heart of the matter is the proposed 20 per cent cut in costs demanded by producers. FEFSI on its part wants producers to stick by commitments made by them in the agreement signed with the Southern India Film Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Tamil Film Producers Council, however, points out that it did not sign the agreement and hence cannot be party to the wage structure specified there.

About 23 films, in various stages of production, have been delayed because of the strike. But, producers have been able to bounce back and about 13 films are likely to be released in the coming festive season, points out Venkateswaran.

Producers maintain that it will be difficult to peg the actual loss suffered by the industry given that the money to fund movie-making comes from various sources and at varied interest rates.

However, FEFSI president S Vijayan estimates the loss to be substantial and believes the producers have been hit more than they are willing to accept.

According to Venkateswaran, FEFSI which mainly has stunt persons and dance masters under its umbrella will eventually give in as they will not be able to go without work for much longer.