PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATIONS UNITE TO STOP BULLYING FROM TRADE UNIONS

All the associations of producers, including the IMPPA, IFTPC, WIFPA, ASAP and ABMCM, have united under one umbrella, the Media & Entertainment Producers Coordination Committee (MEPCC) to fight against bullying tactics of trade unions. They have formed an action committee to ensure compliance of directions of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Labour Commissioner. According to the CCI and the Labour Commissioner, trade unions are barred from insisting on member-to-member working. Trade unions in the film industry used to force producers to use only their members but that requirement has been done away with by the Labour Commissioner. He has also barred the visits of the union’s vigilance officers on the sets under any circumstances.

The MEPCC has decided to ensure full protection and security to all producers who make entertainment content. Producers can now do their work without any tension because if they face any disruption or disturbance in their work or shooting, by the trade unions; they will be provided complete safety and protection by the state government as well as the police department.

The MEPCC has also decided to launch a new method of recruitment and selection of workers, to combat unfair labour practices and extortion by trade unions.