Lightmen ask for wage hikes

Telugu Film Industry seems to be trying to solve one problem after another, but they seem to be piling up on them relentlessly. Recently, they went through a theatre strike to get DSPs to listen to their demands. Then, they had to deal with Casting couch allegations and the issue is now, take a completely different shape. With these issues, even the issue of Lightmen has come forward.

Their demands majorly are to increase their wages per call sheet and destroy the half-call sheet process. They are asking for a hike of 30% and every annual increase of 11%. Recently, Producers agreed for 25% hike and annually 5% increase in salary. But the Lightmen are saying it is too low. As the rents and lifestyle demands and costs have increased, the workers are also asking for a decent increase in wages.

Producer Damodar said, “The issue is solvable. We have taken into case all their demands and came up with a solution, that everyone will accept. Lightmen too agreed but they are not ready to sign contracts. We soon hope the talks will result in an amicable solution.” Apparently, Lightmen have been stopping to come for the shoots and they are saying Mumbai Lightmen are being encouraged more by outside cinematographers and their wages are close to Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000/- per call-sheet, while Telugu Lightmen get only Rs. 800/-. Still, the talks are going on but Producers are trying to fix the issue soon.