VIJAYAWADA: Movie Artists Association, Andhra Pradesh (MAA-AP), founder and film director Donepudi Dileep Raja said that after 18 days of deadlock, the strike by cine workers has officially been called off, paving the way for normalcy to return to film shootings. He appealed to all 24 affiliated crafts of cine production and their technical members to return to the sets as soon as possible. Dileep Raja said that after extensive negotiations, an agreement was reached to implement a 22.5 percent wage hike in phases, though the original demand was 30 percent.He further said that workers earning below ₹ 2,000 will receive a 15 percent hike in the first year, 2.5 percent in the second year, and 5 percent in the third year. Dileep Raja explained that those earning between ₹ 2,000 and ₹ 5,000 will get 7.5 percent in the first year, followed by 5 percent each in the next two years, as per the understanding reached through the Telangana labour department. No hike was sanctioned for workers earning above ₹ 5,000 per day, he clarified. Dileep Raja noted a positive outcome with the agreement to conduct shootings from 9 am to 9 pm daily, ensuring greater efficiency. However, he explained that the revised pay structure will not apply to small-budget films. On another significant point, it was decided that those working on Sundays will henceforth receive 1.5 call sheet wages instead of double call sheet payments. The film director extended his gratitude to the Telangana labour department, union leaders, federation representatives, and film producers for their cooperation in bringing the strike to an end. He urged workers across the state to support the smooth resumption of film shoots fully.
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