How Can Telangana Minister Help Film Workers and Producers Resolve Their Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Telangana Minister urges dialogue.
- Wage hike demands include a 30% increase.
- Producers proposed selective wage hikes.
- Workers emphasize equality among unions.
- Government support is crucial for resolution.
Hyderabad, Aug 11 (NationPress) Telangana's Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy expressed his disapproval regarding the decision of Telugu cinema workers to halt film shootings. He recommended that the workers engage in constructive discussions with film producers to settle the wage hike dispute.
The Minister’s remarks came after representatives from the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation visited him to present their demands and discuss the crisis that arose from producers' refusal to meet their requests.
Venkat Reddy emphasized that it was inappropriate for the workers to resort to a strike that disrupts film production.
After earlier discussions with several producers, including Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju, he proposed that both the Federation and producers establish a joint committee to facilitate a resolution.
The Minister urged representatives from both parties to convene for talks on Tuesday.
He encouraged Dil Raju and other producers to address the challenges faced by the film workers.
Venkat Reddy called for a mutual understanding of the issues and a flexible approach to find solutions.
He assured them that the state government is committed to supporting the film industry.
This intervention occurred just a day after the Federation threatened to completely cease film productions.
Workers from all 24 unions have been striking for several days, advocating for a wage revision.
The Federation rejected the producers' proposal to increase wages for only 13 unions, viewing it as an attempt to undermine their unity.
They are open to reconsidering their initial demand for a 30 percent wage hike, but firmly stated that unequal wage hikes for select unions are unacceptable.
According to Federation leaders, the Producers' Guild suggested wage increases only for workers earning Rs 1,500 daily, excluding those making Rs 2,500.
They insisted that all 10,000 daily wage workers deserve equal treatment without divisions.
Worried about the ongoing crisis, producers Dil Raju, Supriya, Gemini Kiran, and Damodar Prasad met with the Minister to discuss the situation.
A delegation from the Federation also met with the Minister, who urged both sides to collaborate for a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, a group of Tollywood producers met with Andhra Pradesh Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh on the same day to address industry-related concerns.
They presented a memorandum to Minister Durgesh and requested appointments with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to discuss their issues.
The Minister advised both producers and film workers to engage in discussions to resolve the ongoing problems.
He stated that he would bring this matter to the attention of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, adding that if necessary, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan would make a decision on governmental intervention.