Working Hours in Cinemas Reduced to 12 Hours; New Service Contract Comes Into Effect

Kochi: The new service contract for cinema technicians has reduced the call sheet working hours from 16 hours to 12 hours. A fixed overtime rate will be paid for each additional hour of work.

The agreement has been reached between FEFKA and the Producers Association and will come into effect from today onwards. The agreement is valid for the next three years, with provisions to make necessary adjustments after one year.

The agreement was signed on behalf of FEFKA by General Secretary B. Unnikrishnan, and on behalf of the Producers Association by President B. Rakesh and Secretary Listin Stephen.

The agreement intends to reduce costs, and FEFKA stated that actors should also be included in the agreement

According to FEFKA Working General Secretary Sohan Seenulal, the agreement will benefit 13 organizations and nearly 6,000 workers. Previously, the call sheet involved a 16-hour shift from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, with overtime considered half of the call sheet extending until 2:00 AM. Under the new contract, each additional hour will be paid at a fixed rate, and work will only be done as required. A new provision ensures 8 hours of rest after each schedule.

Sohan Seenulal stated that the discussions and interventions during the Cinema Conclave were instrumental in formulating an agreement that is beneficial for workers.