The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC), in its order dated 26th August, directed the state labour department to look into the charter of demands of the film and television industry workers and ensure that they are discussed by the 29-member committee constituted to look into the critical issues. The committee consists of government officials and industry representatives.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had approached the MSHRC in October 2017 to complain about long working hours, poor wages and poor sanitation and other facilities for workers in the film and TV industries. Although the committee was set up in March 2019, it has met only once in 18 months. Taking cognisance of this, the MSHRC, in its August 26 order, directed the state labour department to look into the charter of demands of the industry workers. The FWICE represents over 5 lakh members in Maharashtra, including technicians, junior artistes, electricians, spot boys, art directors, dubbing artistes, carpenters, make-up artistes and photographers.