TFCC takes a sensational decision

The strike called by the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation over their demand for a 30% salary hike has made the Producers Council and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) very furious. In a press note released a while ago, TFCC expressed its immense disappointment with the Federation, stating that their move undermines the spirit of honest negotiations and defies the Labor Commission’s advice.

TFCC stated that the salary hike demanded by the unions is beyond the affordability limit of small producers. Since the industry is already facing several issues, all producers have unanimously opposed the wage increase. The Telugu Film Chamber has passed a resolution, according to which producers are free to work with anyone, be it union or non-union, who is skilled and willing to work for reasonable wages.

A statement from TFCC read: “Many enthusiastic professionals and workers are willing to enter the industry, but unions are creating entry barriers by demanding lakhs of rupees for membership. This is restricting many skilled workers from getting jobs. Every producer should have full freedom to work with workers based on the project’s needs and individuals’ capabilities.”

Additionally, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued an order criticizing the Federation’s pressure tactics and anti-competitive practices. TFCC highlighted that union workers are being paid higher wages than those in other state film industries, despite the cost of living in Hyderabad being lower.

TFCC made it clear that the industry cannot exist without producers and emphasized that labor unions must recognize the importance of producers’ well-being for the survival of the film industry.