Strike: Shooting stopped at Filmcity after Balaji crew and Allied Mazdoor Union members exchange blows

It’s ruckus out there!!! Shooting has been entirely stalled at Filmcity (Mumbai) after a nasty fight broke out between Balaji crew members and members of Allied Mazdoor Union. Here’s some exclusive info at Tellychakkar.com. As per credible source information, the incident happened last night at the Klick Nixon studio where majority of Balaji shows are shot. “Members of the Union came and told us that we did not change workers after the end of 12 hour shift. In fact we did. When we told them to allow us to continue shooting, they objected and thus followed an ugly fight,” said a source from the set. After the ruckus, the Union members showed their might and stalled all shooting at Filmcity. “Shootings still not happening and the situation will get resolved only after a meeting in the evening,” shared a credible source. Now, here’s more dope. Allied Mazdoor Union was one of the 22 associations that are governed by the mother body, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Week back the above body was banned by FWICE on grounds of corruption and ill practices. “Yes, headed by Sanjay Shrivastav, the body illegally continued with their work and kept visiting different sets to stop shooting. Usually producers in order to evade problems paid them money, but this time Balaji decided to resent,” added the above source. As of now, members of the producers’ body, which Balaji is also a part of, President of Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) will meet in the evening to discuss on the future course of action. When we buzzed Produced J D Majethia, Co-Chairman (TV Distribution) IFTPC, he said, “The strike is still on and we will meet in the evening and sort out things.” Gangeshwar Shrivastav, General Secretary of Allied Mazdoor Union said, “Workers are allowed to work for 12 hours. We heard that Balaji was making them work for more than 20 hours. When we received a complaint, we went there and they fought. They broke our car. We filed police complaint at Powai Police Station and four members of Balaji were arrested.” He continued: “Strike will be on till our demands are met. We want 12 hours of work, 4 days leave in a month and payment not on monthly but daily basis. We also want contractors (middlemen) out of business who appoint labourers.” And what about the ban? “Just because we are fighting for the cause of the labourers they are banning us. We will continue our fight, doesn’t matter if they recognize us or not. We are one of the largest Union bodies in Asia and people like Mahesh Bhatt are supporting us.” We also texted Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms but she did not respond. This looks like a tough fight. Tellychakkar.com will keep a keen eye on the development and update this space with fresh info as and when received.