Resolve film workers wage issue through talks, Talasani Srinivas Yadav tells film bodies

Film shootings have come to a grinding halt after the Telugu film workers belonging to the 24 crafts announced a flash strike on Wednesday. About 25 films, which are under production in both indoor and outdoor locations, were affected as the workers launched a protest demanding a wage hike. Responding to the issue, Minister for Cinematography and  Animal Husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav has directed the Telugu Film Chamber, Telugu Film Producers Council, and Film Industry Employees Federation to take steps to resolve the issues at the earliest.

"The wages of film workers have been pending for revision for four years. Usually, they will be revised every three years, but the process got delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. As the pandemic situation eased out, their wages must be revised and reviewed by the film industry bodies. Till now, no efforts were made in this regard. I stress the need for these bodies to sit together with the workers of 24 crafts and resolve the issue in a couple of days, failing which the situation may go out of hand," said Talasani.

Asked if the government will intervene in the issue, the Minister added, "The film workers didn't give any strike notice in writing. Usually, the industry bodies solve such issues by mutual dialogue. The government is now giving them some time to provide a quick and amicable solution. I also spoke to Dr E Gangadhar, joint commissioner of labour & director to work closely with the industry folks. I am hoping that the film bodies will make efforts to resolve the issue without the government's intervention."