After prolonged negotiations over wage hikes for workers in the Telugu film industry, producers have expressed readiness to implement salary increases, subject to specific conditions. On Saturday, following extensive discussions, the producers announced their decision to raise wages in three phases.
Damodara Prasad, Secretary of the Film Chamber, outlined the proposal, stating that workers earning less than Rs 2,000 per day would see an increase of 15 percent in the first year, followed by 5 percent increments in the second and third years. For those earning below Rs 1,000 daily, an immediate 20 percent raise will be granted, with no increase in the second year and an additional 5 percent in the third year. Prasad also mentioned that older wage structures would continue for low-budget films due to budget constraints. The producers have set four conditions to be agreed upon by workers before the hike is implemented. Details on the budget criteria for low-budget films will be announced shortly.
He emphasized the need for collective dialogue to resolve issues and clarified that increasing wages for workers already earning Rs 4,000 per day is not feasible.
Film Federation Rejects Producers’ Terms, Plans to Intensify Agitation
In contrast, leaders of the Film Federation rejected the producers’ proposal, stating they would not accept the imposed conditions. Federation representatives accused the producers of attempts to divide the federation and undermine union solidarity. They demanded uniform wage increases across all 13 daily wage unions. The federation announced plans to escalate their agitation from Sunday onwards.