Telugu Film Chamber turns down federation’s 30% wage hike demand

A day after the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation called for a strike, demanding a 30 per cent wage hike, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has responded in the negative. Passing an “unanimous resolution”, the TFCC has allowed producers to hire workers who aren’t part of the union.

Shooting across Telugu cinema came to a halt due to the strike called by the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Federation on August 04, 2025. Reacting to the development, the Film Chamber said in a statement, “The Telugu film industry in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is already in a very difficult situation. At such a time, when discussions are underway for an amicable solution under the guidance of the Honourable Labour Commissioner, the Federation has chosen to defy this process.”

In a notice, the Federation had said that “members should not report to shoot anywhere” until the wage hike is implemented. “The Federation decided that from August 04, 2025, a 30 % wage hike should be given. Unless producers send a letter stating they will implement this hike and send it to unions, there will be no shooting.”

The Chamber said the hike is “unaffordable for small produces”, adding that “all small producers are against the hike, as it’s not in their means.” The TFCC cited Labour Commissioner’s clarification, stating that under the Minimum Wages Act, producers have the right to employ workers as long as they are paid minimum wages. It also mentioned the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order that restrains federations from imposing anti-competitive practices.

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“There is no film industry without producers. Trade unions should recognise that the well-being of producers is vital for the survival of our industry,” said TFCC, adding that producers can hire workers outside of the union. “The cost of living is lower in Hyderabad than in other metropolitan cities. Moreover, we are paying higher wages to workers here than in other film industries,” the Chamber further said.