Noida Workers Protest Turns Violent, Demand Rs 20000 Salary and 8 Hour Shifts

A large scale protest by industrial workers turned violent in Noida on Monday, with vehicles set on fire and roads blocked, as workers demanded higher wages and improved working conditions.

The unrest was reported from Phase 2 industrial area, where workers damaged vehicles, including a police van, and threw stones at buildings. Police personnel in riot control gear were deployed to manage the situation.

Workers said they are struggling to survive on current wages, with many earning below Rs 15,000 per month. They demanded a minimum salary of Rs 20,000 and 8 hour work shifts instead of extended duty hours.

Lakshmi, one of the protesting workers, said, "We are just asking for two things. One is overtime pay, and the other is a minimum wage of Rs 20,000 a month. We are being exploited in our company. We aren't given meals at the proper time, and there is no safety for women."

Another protester said each worker must earn at least Rs 800 a day. "Right now, we make Rs 300-400 a day."

A woman protester highlighted rising expenses and said, "But our salaries are not increasing. What can we manage with Rs 13,000 a month?"

Rajesh, a protester, said they must be paid at least Rs 20,000 for eight hour shifts. "We are not able to make ends meet. How will we bring up our children?"

Haryana Wage Hike Impact

The protests intensified after the Government of Haryana increased minimum wages under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini.

Haryana raised minimum wages by 35 per cent across categories. An unskilled worker will now earn at least Rs 15,220 per month, while a semi skilled worker will get Rs 16,780.

Workers in Noida said they feel disadvantaged compared to counterparts in Haryana and questioned why similar wage revisions have not been implemented locally.

Violence and Government Response

Several vehicles were torched as the protest escalated. Police said senior officials were deployed at the site and efforts are ongoing to control the situation. Authorities said minimal force was being used and urged people not to believe rumours.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said workers should receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and basic facilities. He directed industrial units to comply with labour laws and address workers’ concerns.

He said, "Those creating nuisance in the name of workers must face strict action and security must be beefed up in industrial areas," and cautioned about a possible "conspiracy to revive almost-dead Naxalism".

The state labour department has been asked to initiate talks with local authorities and industrial units to resolve the issue.