A New Era for Cinema Workers: FEFSI Introduces Financial Security Initiative

Cinema is a collaborative effort. Behind every film, not only the producer, director, hero, and heroine contribute, but also numerous technicians and workers play a crucial role. From lightmen to stage assistants, everyone is important in the industry.

Since most cinema workers are informal laborers, they do not receive benefits like provident funds or ESI. Despite repeated appeals to the government by film worker associations, no solution has been provided. As a result, many workers face severe financial issues post-retirement.

To address this, the South Indian Film Workers’ Federation (FEFSI) has launched a new initiative. ‘FEFSI’ President R.K. Selvamani highlighted that despite the film industry being over 100 years old, there is no official recognition for workers. Film workers often serve multiple producers and lack financial security after retirement.

Since they don’t work under a single employer, production units decline to provide benefits. To resolve this, ‘FEFSI’ has launched an organization named FESRA to manage PF and ESI for workers. All 23 unions under ‘FEFSI’ will be part of FESRA, and workers will be given a common identification card.

For productions, a ‘swiping machine’ will be provided to record workers’ attendance and employment details. This system will ensure proper wage distribution and financial security. From April 1st, this system will be tested, and full implementation will begin on May 1st.

With this initiative, ‘FEFSI’ aims to improve the financial stability of cinema workers and offer them long-term benefits.