Kerala Film Industry Implements Historic Labor Reforms Through New MoU
The bustling film hub of Kerala has ushered in a new era of workplace standards with the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). This comprehensive agreement, formalized in Kochi, introduces revised work schedules, standardized on-set facilities, and enhanced financial protections for technicians and staff, marking a significant shift in the regional film industry's operational framework.
Major Reduction in Working Hours and Introduction of Structured Shifts
A cornerstone of the new agreement is the dramatic reduction in daily working hours. Historically, film crews often endured grueling 16-hour days, but the MoU now caps this at a maximum of 12 hours. FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan elaborated on the new structure, stating, "We have successfully negotiated a reduction from the exhausting 16-hour shifts to a more sustainable 12-hour limit. The workday will be organized into multiple shifts, typically in the morning and afternoon sessions, ensuring better work-life balance for all employees." Furthermore, the agreement guarantees dedicated one-hour breaks for both lunch and dinner, addressing long-standing concerns about inadequate rest periods during shoots.
Enhanced Pay Rates and Strict Contractual Enforcement
The MoU establishes higher pay rates for overtime and night schedules, providing financial recognition for extended work hours. Unnikrishnan confirmed that additional payment will be mandatory for night work and overtime duties, a move aimed at fairly compensating employees for their time. To enforce these terms, the agreement prohibits any call sheets or union-distributed rate cards that contradict the stipulated wage conditions. All technical experts must now sign official contracts with producers, and production control teams are required to submit detailed documentation—including shooting start dates, actor and technician agreements, and budgets—to the KFPA for approval before filming can commence.
Robust Compliance Mechanisms and Dispute Resolution
To ensure adherence to the new standards, the film bodies have initiated periodic inspections at all shooting locations. These checks will verify compliance with the agreement's terms, from work hours to facility standards. In cases where disputes arise between producers and individuals working without a formal agreement, a minimum salary threshold jointly decided by KFPA and FEFKA will be applied. The associations have also clarified that they will not intervene in salary matters or other issues for participants in unauthorized shootings, emphasizing the importance of proper contractual procedures.
Key On-Set Requirements and Calls for Broader Inclusion
The MoU specifies that essential personnel, including make-up artists, costumers, and art directors, must be physically present at the shooting site to maintain production efficiency. Unnikrishnan highlighted a common industry challenge, noting, "Shooting delays frequently occur due to actors not adhering to schedules, leaving technicians and staff waiting idly after preparing sets." He advocated for the inclusion of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) as a party to future agreements to address actor-related scheduling issues, suggesting that broader collaboration could further streamline production processes and enhance overall industry harmony.
