Two major film unions join together to wrestle justice for their workers and actors

Mumbai: A joint meeting between the two biggest and oldest union offices of the film industry, Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union and Cine and TV Artists Association was held at the former office in Malad (East). It was presided by the General Secretaries of both the unions, i.e. Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav a.k.a Sanju and Sushant Singh respectively. It has been unanimously decided that both the union offices will collectively fight for the justified rights of the artistes and the workers. Very soon appropriate steps will be taken and notified to the film studios, film producers and the government bodies too which will be in favour and benefits of the artistes and the workers.

Speaking on the occasion,Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav a.k.a Sanju, the General Secretary of Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union articulated, “It is a good and progressive step for the film industry. We want that the workers and artistes of the film industry be treated like human being and thereby their safety, good food, reasonable payment terns and one-hour break. We will work together with CINTAA office bearers. We are not against anyone. In this industry everyone is connected to one another, just like various train compartments. However good the train maybe, in any cases the tracks or its wheels are damaged then the whole train will be derailed causing injuries. In the same way, to make a good film or TV serial, full co-operation and proper deliverance of all the departments are essential. On the whole, we expect that the entire unit abide and live together like a family. If any member of the family is hurt or injustice caused to him or her, then how will the family run smoothly. Then it becomes our humble duty to take up the cause strongly. We want everyone to co-operate and support.”

In his endeavor, Sushant Singh, General Secretary of Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA) said, “Today there is discrimination in providing make-up rooms to all the artistes. Only some privileged ones and big stars get these facilities whereas the rest are all bundled in a common make-up room. On many occasions we have learnt that there are no proper seating arrangements and even the toilets are in shoddy shape. They don’t even get proper one-hour lunch break even. The makers are only worried about canning their half-hour footage only howsoever it may be. No studios have proper ambulance, medical aid facility and fire-fighting equipments. Workers and artistes are not even given proper food too. So, both the unions have joined to fight for these causes of our artistes and workers. I am thankful to Sanju ji for taking the initiative in this regard.”————–Sanjay Sharma Raj (P.R.O.)