A protest by industrial workers over wage demands turned violent in Noida on Monday, leaving vehicles damaged, properties vandalised, and at least one car set on fire in the Hosiery Complex area of Phase 2. The unrest broke out after a large number of employees gathered to press for a salary hike, and the dispute quickly escalated into chaos.
Police said stone pelting followed the clash, forcing a heavy deployment of force to restore order in the industrial belt. The incident also disrupted traffic across several busy stretches of the city, adding pressure to an already tense situation in one of Noida’s key manufacturing zones.
Violence breaks out in Phase 2
Officials said the protest began as a wage-related demonstration but turned disorderly after an altercation among those present. Public and private property suffered damage as demonstrators reportedly threw stones and set fire to a vehicle in the Hosiery Complex area.
The police response was swift, with additional personnel rushed to the spot to prevent the violence from spreading further. Authorities said the situation remained sensitive as the protest involved a large crowd near industrial units and commercial movement routes.
Traffic disruption across Noida
The agitation also caused major traffic jams during peak morning hours, especially at Chilla border and Sector 62. Commuters faced long delays on the first working day of the week as workers blocked roads in multiple areas.
According to officials, the protest that started in Sector 62 soon spread to other industrial locations and high-traffic points. These included Hosiery Complex, the area around the Motherson factory in Phase 2, near Sector 60 Metro Station, Sector 62 Gol Chakkar, factories in Sector 63, Sector 15, and Phase 1.
What triggered the unrest
The violence came after two days of protests by factory workers over low minimum wages in Noida’s industrial belt. The unrest gained momentum after Haryana raised its monthly minimum wage from Rs 14,000 to Rs 19,000, a rise of about 35%, while the minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh remains around Rs 13,000.
That wage gap has added to growing frustration among workers in Noida, where many say pay levels no longer match the cost of living. Labour issues have also widened into demands for overtime pay, weekly offs, bonuses, job security, and better workplace conditions.
Administration announces relief measures
In response to the rising tension, the Noida administration announced several measures aimed at addressing workers’ grievances. These include compulsory weekly offs, double pay for overtime and work done on weekly holidays, annual bonus payment before November 30, salary disbursal by the 10th of every month, medical cover, safety measures, and a formal complaint system for harassment cases.
The decisions were taken at a joint meeting at the Noida Authority office in Sector 6. The meeting was attended by district magistrate Medha Rupam, Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh, Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, and other officials, while senior labour department officials joined virtually.
Key measures announced by the administration
- Compulsory weekly off for all workers.
- Double wages for overtime and weekly holiday duty.
- Annual bonus to be paid before November 30.
- Salary to be disbursed by the 10th of every month.
- Medical cover and workplace safety measures.
- A formal complaints system for harassment, headed by a woman.
District magistrate Medha Rupam said the administration had been in talks with industrial units for several days. She said factories had been instructed to treat workers with dignity, ensure safe conditions, and follow the new wage-related directions.
Rupam also urged workers to stay calm and avoid rumours, while asking them to cooperate in maintaining law and order. Control room numbers were shared for assistance as officials tried to prevent further escalation in the industrial zones.
Wider labour concerns remain unresolved
The protest has drawn attention to deeper labour concerns in Noida’s factory network, where pay disparities and working conditions have been long-standing issues. Officials said discussions between labour authorities and the state administration are continuing, with the focus now on restoring industrial peace while addressing worker welfare demands.
The situation in Phase 2 remains under close watch as authorities assess damage and maintain security across affected sectors. With wage disputes, traffic disruption, and public property damage now overlapping, officials are working to prevent further clashes in Noida’s industrial areas.
Read more at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
