Has the South Indian Film Employees’ Federation Taken Action over Technician Underpayment?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ongoing wage dispute between the Film Employees Federation of South India and producers has reached the Madras High Court, raising critical questions about the treatment of technicians who earn significantly less than top actors. With livelihoods at stake, can a resolution be achieved quickly?
Key Takeaways
- Wage Disparity: Technicians earn significantly less than top actors.
- Court Involvement: The Madras High Court is mediating the dispute.
- Industry Impact: Walk-outs have led to financial losses.
- Mediation Suggested: Both parties are encouraged to resolve the issue amicably.
- Historical Context: The last wage agreement has expired, fueling tensions.
Chennai, June 30 (NationPress) The ongoing wage dispute for film technicians in Tamil Nadu has escalated to the Madras High Court, with the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) claiming that technicians are being marginalized while prominent actors rake in up to Rs 300 crore per film.
In a session before Justice K. Kumaresh Babu, FEFSI attorney G. Mohanakrishnan accused the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) of attempting to “usurp the livelihoods” of local technicians by hiring crews from other states to complete current projects.
He highlighted that technicians within the state often make less than Rs 3,000 a day despite the industry's exceptionally high salaries at the top tier.
In response, TFPC’s lawyer Krishna Ravindran argued that most members of the council are small-budget filmmakers rather than large corporate studios, asserting that producers are “equally invested” in the welfare of their workers.
Ravindran noted that TFPC and FEFSI have historically entered into a wage-fixing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) every three years, with the last agreement signed in 2022 having expired on March 9 of this year.
He explained that tensions escalated when FEFSI, suspecting TFPC of supporting a splinter technicians’ group called the Tamil Nadu Thiraipada Thozhilalargal Sammelanam, issued a non-cooperation directive on April 2 to all 23 of its affiliated craft unions.
This directive resulted in walk-outs on film sets and “significant financial losses” for producers due to halted projects.
Ravindran further stated that FEFSI has started working with a different producers’ group, the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), leading to State Information and Publicity Minister M. P. Saminathan intervening to facilitate talks.
Justice Babu remarked that since the MoU is no longer valid, the court cannot compel FEFSI members to work on TFPC-endorsed films.
However, he also mentioned that individual producers retain the right to sue crew members for any breach of existing work contracts.
Emphasizing the importance of an amicable resolution, the judge encouraged both parties to appoint two retired High Court judges as mediators by Wednesday (July 2).
“Considering the tight production timelines and the livelihoods at risk, it is in everyone's best interest to resolve this collaboratively,” Justice Babu stated before adjourning the case.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the disparity in earnings within the Tamil film industry. While leading actors reap enormous financial rewards, technicians—who are essential to the filmmaking process—continue to face underpayment. The court's intervention could be a pivotal moment in addressing these inequalities. NationPress stands firm in advocating for equitable treatment in all sectors.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current wage dispute involving FEFSI?
The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has raised concerns about technicians being underpaid, especially when top actors earn massive salaries.
What has the Madras High Court said about the situation?
Justice K. Kumaresh Babu noted the lack of a current wage-fixing agreement and suggested that both parties seek mediation to resolve the dispute.
How has the dispute affected film production?
The disagreement has led to walk-outs and significant monetary losses for producers due to stalled projects on sets.
What efforts have been made to resolve the conflict?
The court has urged both FEFSI and TFPC to appoint two retired judges as mediators to achieve an amicable resolution.
Why are technicians unhappy despite the industry's high earnings?
Technicians often earn less than Rs 3,000 a day, highlighting a stark contrast to the earnings of leading actors.
