Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce opposes workplace harassment complaints helpline initiated by FEFKA

Kerala Film Chamber opposes FEFKA helpline for workplace harassment complaints, citing lack of legal standing and proper procedures.

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has petitioned the government and Kerala Women’s Commission against the helpline number initiated by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) to assist women in reporting complaints related to workplace harassment.

The apex body of the Malayalam film industry stated that the federation lacked the legal standing to offer such a helpline number as the complaints related to workplace harassment had to be reported before the internal complaints committee (ICC) set up in each film location.

Saji Nanthiyattu, general secretary of the chamber, pointed out that there is a monitoring committee led by the chairperson of the Kerala Women’s Commission to ensure that the ICCs are working as per the norms. The monitoring committee included representatives of the film bodies in Malayalam cinema, including Women in Cinema Collective, he said.

The chamber representative stated that FEFKA had released social media posts saying it had formed a five-member core committee comprising women in connection with the helpline number initiated by the trade body. But such a committee lacked the legal backing to receive complaints and take action as such powers remain vested with the ICC and the monitoring committee, he said.

Sohan Seenulal, working secretary of FEFKA, clarified that the helpline number is aimed at extending a helping hand to women working in the industry to report their grievances.

The five-member core committee will guide them on how to take their complaints forward as per the norms. They will also help the aggrieved persons in receiving counselling or other related support, if required, he said.