Bollywood can go on strike, but without disruption: HC

Actors, technicians, and other workers from Bollywood and the television industry are set to go on strike on May 6

Actors, technicians, and other workers from Bollywood and the television industry are set to go on strike on May 6. The Bombay High Court (HC) has rejected a plea from film producers’ bodies, which had asked for a stay order on the proposed protest by members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

The court, however, has stated that FWICE members cannot obstruct shoot schedules or stop producers from hiring their employees who wish work. FWICE members are demanding a wage hike of 50 per cent. However, the producers’ bodies – Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Film and Television Producers Guild of India and others – had maintained that they would give a 12 per cent pay hike.

The two sides had met on Wednesday to discuss the issue, but couldn’t arrive at an agreeable solution. Following this, the producers’ organisation moved the Bombay HC to get a stay order on the strike. Ameet Naik, advocate for the producers’ body, said, “We moved the court as the High Court will be closed for the next four days and producers felt their work could come to a complete standstill due to the non-cooperation of FWICE.

We sought temporary relief and the court has restrained the defendants (FWICE) from disturbing, obstructing or interfering in the producers’ attempts to engage the defendant’s members. Also, they (FWICE members) cannot come anywhere within the radius of 150 metres of film sets.”

Dilip Pithva, general secretary, FWICE said, “We have now decided to go ahead with the strike. We were in talks, but since the producers have gone to court, we are left with no choice but to go on strike.”

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!