KOCHI: The office-bearers of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) will meet the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) representatives in the city on Thursday to solve the ongoing dispute between them.
Earlier, the Kerala Film Producers Association had made it clear that it will not start work on new films from February 1 if FEFKA fails to withdraw its decision to hike the daily wages of the drivers and production boys.
“It is without the consent of the Producers Association that the FEFKA has increased the daily wages of the drivers and unit members. The decision by FEFKA is a violation of the existing contract with us. If the issue is not sorted out in Thursday’s meeting, we will not start work on new films from February 1,” said Producers Association secretary Sabu Cherian.
“The wages are paid to production boys and unit members on a shift basis (6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 9 pm and from 9 pm onwards). This condition is not applicable to drivers.
“Though it is not included in the existing contract and no specific amount has been fixed, the producers will pay the night allowance according to their financial capability. But now, without holding discussions with the Producers Association, FEFKA had made it mandatory to pay the night allowance to every unit member,” Sabu said.
He also expressed hope that a decision in this regard will evolve in Thursday’s meeting.
However, he said that the shooting and pre-production work of the movies that were started before February 1 will not be affected by the decision.
