In a clear sign that they too are ready to come back on the negotiating table, the workers' federation indicated that they may consider the proposal of a marginal pay hike that will be offered at the producers' meet today.
"I have been told that the producers are going to offer a pay hike that might not match up to what we have been demanding. We might consider it, but we first need to see the proposal," said Dharmesh Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
The producers have abandoned the idea of putting a contract salary system in place as the workers have not agreed to it.
"We will have to work out a way to appease the channels and the workers. As of now, we have charted out a revised salary structure which will increase the monthly earning of all workers. Then we will have meetings with the channels," said a top official of the producers' body.
According to the draft proposal, a worker's salary will increase by 10-15% per month. The producers will try to keep their margins and the production costs of the soaps low and will pass on only a part of the increased budget to the channels.
Mukesh Bhatt, chairman of the producers' body, said, "We are having a crucial meeting on Monday where we will debate on what can be done to break this deadlock. This is hurting everybody."
However, the official said that the current crisis may continue for another week.
Advertisers back broadcasters: In a fillip to TV channels during the ongoing impasse between producers and cine workers, advertisers' apex body has asked its members not to ask for a tariff cut immediately.
"We have asked our members to support the broadcasters. We are hopeful of arriving at a solution before November 20," said Madhukar Kamath, president, Advertising Agencies Association of India .
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