News

After two days of non-cooperative action, crews returned to the sets on Saturday 4 October. The Federation of West India Cinema Employees, FWICE called off the action after the producers associations agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding. The producers have agreed to pay employees within 15 days of work being completed, to limit working hours to 12 a day and to use union labour only. The deal also includes minimum pay levels for the different crafts represented by FWICE.



Important is that now all four producers associations signed the deal whereas in 2007 only two associations signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federation. “The action of our Indian colleagues is a success and we congratulate FWICE and its leadership for its courage and resolve,» said UNI-MEI Director Jim Wilson reacting to the settlement. “We call on producers to respect this agreement and work with the unions to improve working conditions for all film workers", he added.



UNI-MEI is currently planning for project to improve health and safety in film production in India and believes that the new situation will help to facilitate the cooperation with producers.