A number of Egyptian actors insisted that they receive an increase in wages for any role they accept from Egyptian production companies, refusing to take up any job until their demands are met.
The UAE daily, Al Bayan, reported that Mahmoud Al Jundi refused acting in any series until his daily wages are doubled. He rejected the proposed 500 Egyptian pound increase, calling off all propositions handed to him to star in any series. Muntasir Billah also refused to begin shooting the upcoming series “Al Rajul Al Muntather” (The Awaited Man), directed by Rida Al Najar and costarring Mohammad Riad, after an increase in his salary of only 250 Egyptian pound to his salary. Production officials refused his demand doubling the salary, making him hold stronger to his refusal until now.
Several other actors like Mahmoud Qabeel, Younis Al Shalabi, and Amina Rizig have demanded their salaries to be increased, but none have received the desired wage they asked for.
The daily reported that Egyptian actress Laila Fawzy threatened to stop any cooperation with any Egyptian TV station unless the 4000 Egyptian pounds she receives for each episode is increased. She demanded that her wage is increased to match Samira Ahmad’s, who receives 25,000 Egyptian pounds per episode.
Until this moment no change has occurred regarding the increase in wages for actors. Hassan Hamid president of the Egyptian Media and Production Association announced that a committee would be formed to study the case of increasing actors’ wages. The outcome will be based on seniority, stardom, and a special committee will also be set up to ensure that each actor is paid what he/she deserves. The final decision will be released in the upcoming several weeks stating what each actor, depending on credentials, will be paid. (1 Egyptian pound is equivalent to .216 USD) –Albawaba.com
