Noida witnessed a tense and chaotic Monday morning as industrial workers took to the streets demanding better wages and working conditions, triggering widespread disruption and violence. The protest, centered in Phase 2—home to several industrial units—quickly escalated, with angry workers torching vehicles, damaging property, and clashing with police deployed in riot-control gear.
Hundreds of workers blocked key roads, leading to massive traffic jams that left commuters stranded for hours. The agitation stems from growing frustration among workers who claim they earn less than ₹15,000 a month despite working up to 12 hours a day. Protesters are demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₹20,000, overtime pay, and enforcement of standard 8-hour shifts.
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Many workers also highlighted poor working conditions, including lack of timely meals and inadequate safety measures, particularly for women. Rising living costs—such as rent, cooking gas, and education—have further intensified their grievances, making it difficult for families to survive on current wages.
A key trigger behind the unrest is the recent decision by the Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government to increase minimum wages by 35 percent. Workers in Noida argue that they are being unfairly paid less than their counterparts in neighbouring Haryana for similar work.
As the situation turned volatile, police rushed additional forces to the area and appealed for calm, stating that minimal force was being used to control the crowd. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that workers’ concerns would be addressed, while warning of strict action against those inciting violence.
Authorities have initiated talks with industrial units and labour representatives to defuse tensions and restore normalcy.
