Hair stylists in Sandalwood threaten to go on strike

Earlier this month, if it was the dancers who went on a strike in the Kannada film industry, now the make-up artistes might do the same. The industry seems to be going all guns blazing when it comes to correcting their payments and fighting for their rights.

According to a letter issued by the Kannada Film Producers’ Association (KFPA), there was supposed to be a rectification in terms of payments to the these artistes behind the scenes today.

The letter read that all those who are currently getting paid under Rs500 were due for a 20% raise and those getting higher would get a 10% raise from August 12.

Rajesh, a make-up artiste, says, “The make-up chief gets paid Rs1,500 for a day, while Rs750 for a hair dresser. The first assistant gets Rs392 and the second one gets Rs292. The rates have remained the same for a long time and they’ve been long due for revision.”

According to another stylist, who chooses to remain anonymous, the change in the heads of the KFPA is a reason for this minor setback. “The new head (Munirathna) was the one who had ordered for that letter to be revoked, as it was issued by the older head,” says the source.

While the initial plan from the make-up artistes’ association was to go for a direct strike from August 12. The plan though was altered a bit, after a little discussion between the two associations.

Ranjita, a hair stylist, says, “The new orders states that we’re apparently required to request our production managers from our respective units to pay us according to the revised rates. We shall continue working only if they pay us the increased daily wages.”

(Names changed to protect identity)