Telugu Film Chamber Opens Doors To Non-union Workers
Amid escalating tensions over a 30% wage hike demand by the Federation—which declared that no shoots under its purview would continue from August 4 unless the hike was implemented—producers have pushed back with a sweeping change in hiring policy
In an attempt to end the monopoly of the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, which represents producers, has decided to allow filmmakers to hire workers and technicians who may not be the members of the film workers union.
The decision comes following the federation’s demand for a 30 per cent wage hike and its declaration that no shoots under its purview would continue from August 4 unless the hike was implemented.
The strike disrupted several film shoots on Monday. If implemented, the daily wage for unskilled workers would go up from ₹1,400 to ₹1,820, and for skilled workers from ₹2,500 to ₹3,250. Producers argue that such a hike is not feasible, given the financial strain the industry is currently under.
Some workers reportedly attempted to stop the shooting of ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’, starring Pawan Kalyan, in Jubilee Hills. Rajeshwar Reddy, former president of the Federation, clarified, “ We received information that dancers from Mumbai were hired, which led to the protest. But when Pawan Kalyan garu arrived, he halted the shoot in support of local talent.”
He confirmed that the strike will continue indefinitely. “We are not backing down until our demands are met. This is not arm-twisting; it's about fair wages. Over 10,000 workers depend on this industry for their livelihood,” he said.
Further rounds of discussions between producers and union leaders are expected soon, as the impasse threatens to paralyse big-ticket movies like 'Raja Saab', 'Peddi ', 'Dacoit,' Chiranjeevi’s film with Anil Ravipudi, Nani's ‘The Paradise', and Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2'.
The chamber said its decision is aimed at making the industry more accessible and reducing what producers call unreasonable barriers to entry into the film industry.
“Why should someone have to pay lakhs of rupees for getting membership in the federation just to get a job in the film industry,” the statement asked, pointing out that steep fees charged by the union effectively shuts out many qualified aspirants.
Producers argued that such practices limit competition and deprive the industry of fresh talent.
Citing a recent order by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the chamber reaffirmed that producers have the legal right to hire any qualified individual, not just union members.
This decision marks a significant policy shift in the film industry where union membership has traditionally been mandatory for most behind-the-scenes roles.
While the move may usher in a more inclusive hiring system, it is not without complications. Replacing experienced union members with non-union workers is likely to be a gradual process. Industry insiders warn that it may be difficult to immediately find enough skilled professionals outside the unions to sustain ongoing productions.
Additionally, resistance from unions could continue to cause on-set disruptions. Some filmmakers are expected to delay shoots until a compromise is reached, preferring to preserve continuity and quality with their existing crews.
As the impasse continues, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this bold step by the chamber leads to long-term structural change — or further deepens the divide between producers and workers.
The high-level meeting was attended by industry heavyweights, including D. Suresh Babu, Dil Raju, Allu Aravind, and Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili. “We held detailed discussions on the issues raised by the federation. We want an amicable solution that works for both producers and workers,” said Suresh Babu, who had to leave midway to attend the press meet of his upcoming film 'Coolie'.