After two rounds of dicussions (last week and earlier this week), the final round of talks will be held here later today, in front of the government officials, where an amicable solution is expected to be found.
'Two rounds of discussions between the two organisations held earlier in the presence of the government officials, where both sides put forth their versions,' said sources in Kollywood.
'Following this, TFPC and FEFSI convened separate meetings of their respective office bearers and discussed the outcome of the talks organised by the Tamilnadu labour department,' they said.
'The members of Producers Council and Workers Federation have gave approval to some of the decisions. Following this, an amicable solution is expected to be found today and a fresh wage agreement will be signed on the same day,' sources added.
Shootings were halted for over three weeks and production of many films came to halt following a war of words between the producers and workers over fixing wages. Over 25 films have packed up their crew and waiting for shootings to commence.
The Labour department stepped in following a request from the Producers Council and FEFSI to Jayalalithaa to intervene and find a solution.
TFPC had resolved to pay a hike of Rs 100 to all employees belonging to various crafts of FEFSI and was ready to sign an agreement immediately. However, the workers federation wanted wages on par with the increased cost of life.
'Of the 150 films releasing every year, only 15-odd movies make profit. Despite our loss, we producers still pay judicious salary to the workers besides providing good food, stay and transportation. It is not fair on the part of labours to demand more,' said the producers.
Workers refuted the charge and said, 'We are asking for a reasonable hike. There was no increase in our wages for the past many years. The cost of living has hit the roof.'
