Noida Worker Protests Turn Violent: Who Is Involved and Why?

Workers from the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh’s Noida held protests with a demand for higher salaries which later turned violent. Protesters allegedly vandalised vehicles and property and resorted to stone-pelting during a clash with police. Heavy police deployment was witnessed. On Sunday, Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a meeting with the state’s Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner to discuss issues related to workers’ welfare, including overtime pay, bonuses and workplace safety.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said workers must get their due and industries must follow labour laws. He, however, directed authorities to take strict action against anti-social elements trying to instigate workers.

Why the protests?

Over the past few days, workers in Noida have been protesting after the Haryana government announced a 35% hike in the minimum wage for unskilled labourers raising it from Rs 11,274 per month to Rs 15,220. Now, workers in Noida, particularly garment export units in the Hosiery Complex, are asking for higher wages from the Uttar Pradesh government, stating the fact that their counterparts in Haryana are getting more pay for the same work. Additionally, the workers have also cited poor working conditions, lack of weekly offs and lack of grievance redressal mechanism as the reasons behind the protest.

Exporter and industry representative Lalit Thakural said some external factors were attempting to disrupt the situation. He added that efforts were underway to engage with workers, claiming that over 80% have understood the discussions. According to him, most of the workers’ demands have been accepted and wage revisions will be implemented in line with government orders. He also urged workers not to pay heed to rumours.

Protest affecting traffic

The violent protest disrupted the traffic movement across Noida and adjoining areas. Authorities have issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to plan travel carefully amid ongoing congestion and diversions.

According to police, thousands of workers took to the streets in several parts of Phase II and other industrial sectors, escalating their agitation. The situation worsened in Sector 84, where protesters allegedly set two vehicles on fire. Demonstrations also spread to Sector 62, leading to major traffic snarls.

Delhi on high alert

Delhi Police has been put on high alert after a protest by factory workers in neighbouring Noida turned violent, prompting authorities to tighten security along key entry points into the national capital, officials said.

According to police sources, several teams have been deployed at all motorable roads connecting Noida to different parts of Delhi, particularly at major border points with Uttar Pradesh, to prevent any spillover of unrest.

Protests by Noida workers are trying to be controlled by the U.P government to the best of its capabilities with Yogi asking for better job prospects for the workers and the protests will most likely die down in some time.