New Delhi:

Trade union body, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a meeting to highlight the grievances of “workers, technicians, junior artistes and artistes” of the Hindi film industry. Has been.

In the letter sent on January 11, AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta highlighted the workers’ key concerns, which include low wages, long working hours and lack of safety on film sets.

“These individuals form the foundation of India’s entertainment industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy and cultural influence. However, despite their contributions, they face exploitation, poor working conditions, and a lack of social and economic security .

“We seek your intervention to address these challenges and propose structural reforms that will not only improve the lives of these workers but also strengthen the industry,” the letter said.

It highlighted that workers were made to work “16 to 20 hours a day without holidays, proper rest or rest”. The letter also said that the workers are forced to work for several days continuously, which affects their physical and mental health.

Established in 2016, AICWA is a trade union body comprising daily wage earners, actors, stunt persons and choreographers among others. It has more than one lakh members all over India.

The trade organization also highlighted the inadequate infrastructure available on shooting sets, including fire safety and security arrangements, which frequently leads to accidents and even deaths.

The letter states that the food provided is often substandard, leading to health problems.

Objections have also been raised in the letter on the facilities provided to women workers. The letter said there is a lack of changing rooms for female artistes, especially during outdoor shoots, forcing them to “change clothes in vehicles or nearby unsafe areas, compromising their dignity and safety.” Have to be forced.”

According to the AICWA, workers are employed without formal contracts, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary dismissal.

“They have no legal recourse in case of disputes, leading to exploitation. The lack of job security creates an environment of fear and instability among workers,” it said.

The organization said that employees’ salaries are often delayed by months or even years, leaving them trapped in debt and financial distress.

“Despite repeated follow-up and efforts, some workers never receive their salaries. The absence of a structured payment mechanism exacerbates their financial distress,” the organization said in its letter. two decades.

“Wages have been further cut post-COVID, with many workers earning half their previous income, making it impossible to meet basic living expenses,” AICWA said.

According to the trade union, since the film industry is classified as an “unorganized sector”, workers do not get regular employment or benefits.

He said in the letter, “Many workers get only 2 to 10 days of work per month, leaving them unable to support their families. This instability leaves workers unable to secure housing or provide education for their children.” ” Medical coverage for workers, leaving them “vulnerable in the event of a medical emergency.”

The letter states that if an employee meets with an accident on the set, no compensation is given to his family. In many cases, “producers, channels and production houses” suppress such incidents.

To improve the lives of daily workers, the AICWA called for remedial steps, including classifying the film industry as an “organized sector” and legal mandates for “contracts, provident funds, medical aid and gratuity”. Involves presenting.

It also said that the government should bring in guidelines for timely payment of salaries and regularly revise salary structures keeping in mind inflation and cost of living.

“We humbly ask for an appointment with you to discuss these serious issues in detail. Your leadership and support is vital to ensuring the dignity, safety and rights of workers in Bollywood and the Indian film industry. With your intervention, we “There is confidence that these challenges can be addressed effectively to uplift workers and strengthen the industry,” the letter concluded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)