(17 November 2008 10:00 pm)
MUMBAI: The Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) are facing the heat of the on-going dispute between the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and TV producers union.
In its eight day, none of the three parties had blinked, refusing to budge from their stances. However, it is to be seen how long will each of them hold out.
Since 10 November, nine GECs have blanked out fresh shows, following a joint stand taken by them.
When contacted a producer said, "No we have had no meetings either with broadcasters or workers." The producers, however, had a marathon meeting this evening.
FWICE general secretary Dinesh Chaturvedi said: "We only want revised wages for our workers."
When asked about how long viewers may have to go through this ordeal, Chaturvedi added: "I believe this situation may stretch up 20-21 November."
Meanwhile, there were rumours in the industry this morning that the strike had been called off and that the producers had managed to convince the FWICE to increase wages by 10-12 per cent as against their demand of 15 per cent. Additionally, senior officials from Sony Entertainment Television were also of the opinion that the strike is likely to be called off soon - in fact within "a couple of days."
When an indiantelevision.com correspondent went to meet the FWICE officials in the afternoon, the office was packed with workers who were discussing wages for the various crafts with the union leaders.
However, Chaturvedi rejected the rumours saying that no resolution seems to be in sight and that they would stand firm and united on their demands. "No strike settlement can be reached without me knowing the details," he said.
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