Yesterday it was reported that the dispute between the Producers and Workers had been settled, and soon we will see fresh new episodes on television. But later in the evening, a new problem crept up where one category of workers refused to accept the wages offered to them as per the memorandum passed by the Federation.

“Of the 22 categories of workers, all were happy with the mutual settlement except one category, consisting of Sound Recordists and Make-up artists. They want more hike in their pay structure,” says our khabroo.

They will resume shoot only if once their demands are fulfilled. “These people have refused to commence shoot until producers and channels execute their requirement. There is again a meeting called for today which will discuss this issue,” adds the source.

It’s been heard that they demanded of Rs. 2 lakh a month with additional comforts like bungalow and a car. “They already get a hefty amount and in the meeting last night, it was said that they will be getting a good amount of Rs. 60 and 80 thousand respectively. But they seem to be dissatisfied with this hike and they have told the producers to look in to their needs,” quips the source.

We called up Ratna Sinha, Producer, Chota Ganpati Creation, to confirm this and she says, “Yes there is some problem with the sound and boom category and later today, we will all have a meeting for the same.”

So have the shoots not resumed? “We are not shooting today as this matter has to be resolved first”, says Ratna. 

Rajan Shahi, Producer of the show Bidaai also averred, “There is some confusion, but things will get resolved by today.”

Rajesh Chaddha, Supervising Producer, BAG Films confirms, "Strike is still on, as this issue has to get resolved".

Hope this on and off tiff between the workers and producers ends soon…

Reporter and Author: Rachana Trivedi