Film workers' body to have unofficial meet with producers

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has decided to go on an indefinite strike from May 6, is likely to have an unofficial meeting with film producers later Wednesday to discuss a hike in the daily wages of workers and technicians, an official said.

FWICE president Kamlesh Pandey told IANS: "Initially, the producers didn't even acknowledge our letters, but when they got a notice that we are going on strike from May 6, they have now called for an unofficial meeting to discuss the issues."

Pandey stressed that it is an "unofficial meeting" and so one has to wait and see if the producers "discuss issues and about the new MoU" on wages.

"If they don't agree to our terms, the federation members will not extend any co-operation to them," he added.

Names like T.P. Aggarwal and Mahesh Bhatt are likely to be part of the meeting, to be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.