Post FWICE strike, stakeholders hopeful of a more conducive environment

Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex body of several unions of industry workers had called for a strike on Saturday, 

3rd October, 2015. Though, started as an indefinite strike, it was called off in day.

As per the industry sources, the strike was called off because the workers’ wages were increased and also the producers’ body made a commitment to discuss the unresolved issues in the next 10 days and sign the MOU by 15th October.

Reason Behind the strike

Saurabh Tiwari, Producer, Badtameez Dil explains the technicalities that led to the strike. He says, “FWICE and IFTPC had to sign a MOU. Discussion on the same has been on since past six months and both the parties couldn't come on the same page. Federation wanted producers’ body to sign on few illegal clauses which they are refusing to do. Producers’ body mutually agreed to many clauses proposed but then federation one day before strike call wanted to have film representation on the panel of MOU discussion. Thus on such a baseless demand they decided to go ahead with the strike. Strike has been called more to satisfy personal egos.”

Another segment of the television industry, however, believes, that directors too need to provide the right environment to the workers to avoid such instances in future.  J.D Majethia - Co-Chairman IFTPC states, “10 to 15% of the directors are not good with the workers. 

They do not provide the conducive environment for the workers to function. Even when it comes to clauses of the MOU, 15-20% is not acceptable enough, which will have repercussions in the long run. See the fact remains that creativity is not a factory and one should always look at the interest of the workers and artists.”

Impact on television industry

While social media was flooded with a number of comments on fall back of the strike, it did not really impact the industry as it ended in a day. Even when the strike was on for a day, most workers reported to work.

Abhimanyu Singh. CEO, Contiloe divulges, “For the first time in the history, the strike has been called off.  The workers are happy and their working conditions are better, it is the workers’ solidarity which has kept us intact because of which I shot all the shoots whether it is for Ashoka or Agent Raghav.

Rakesh Paswan, CEO, Managing Director-Village Boy Production, too believes that strike fizzled as workers chose to support the producers instead of the federation. He says, “Strike was called and it has completely failed. Today all workers reported on the sets and all shows shot. Workers went against the diktat of the federation and supported the producers. Thus Strike is complete failure with zero impact or loss.”

Way forward:

With the strike behind them now, onus is on all the stakeholders to resolve the matter amiably. All of them realise that it is in their best interest that all of them work in harmony. Shyamasish Bhattacharya, Shankuntalam Production comments, “We are hoping that it would be understood and MOU will be agreed on. The TV industry has agreed to it, so no strike now, also the workers were not bothered as they have got their salary hiked.” He emphasizes, “The fact remains it cannot be Panchayat Raj as the mindset of the leaders will affect the growth of this sector, since the members are only jeopardizing the issues which are legal. Going forward the office bearers should understand the signing off legally tenable MOU.”

A favourable eco system that reflects in the creative product, a stress free environment for optimum productivity and a happy workforce are the key factors that all the stakeholders now look forward to.  Abhimanyu Singh conlcluded, “We are very hopeful that in the coming few days we will make headway in the right direction. It is our endeavor to see that all the good creative talent and technicians can work in a conducive ecosystem.”