Noida Workers Protest: Why Noida workers’ protests turned violent: Wage gap, rising anger and Manesar stir spillover | Noida News

Why Noida workers’ protests turned violent: Wage gap, rising anger and Manesar stir spillover

NOIDA: Protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in parts of Noida on Monday, exposing deep-rooted discontent over pay disparities, working conditions and long-pending labour demands. Incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting were reported from Phase-2 and Sector 60, with a vehicle set on fire and several others damaged during the unrest.The agitation began as a peaceful demonstration by workers from multiple industrial units, particularly in the Hosiery Complex area of Phase-2, where employees gathered to press for salary revisions. However, tensions escalated as sections of protesters allegedly clashed with police, leading to violence and widespread disruption.Also read: Noida salary hike protest turns violent: Vehicles torched, properties vandalised, stones peltedAt the heart of the unrest is a growing wage disparity between neighbouring states.As per news agency PTI, workers in Noida have been demanding higher minimum wages, especially after the Haryana government recently raised monthly wages from around Rs 14,000 to Rs 19,000 — a jump of nearly 35%. In contrast, wages in Uttar Pradesh remain significantly lower at around Rs 13,000, fuelling resentment among workers employed in the region’s vast industrial belt.The protests also come despite recent assurances by the district administration. Just a day before the violence, district magistrate Medha Roopam held a high-level meeting with senior labour officials to address workers’ concerns. Measures discussed included double payment for overtime, annual bonuses, weekly holidays, workplace safety and improved grievance redressal mechanisms.Authorities had appealed to workers to maintain peace, urging them not to be influenced by rumours. However, the scale and intensity of Monday’s protests indicate that dissatisfaction runs deeper, particularly over delayed wage revisions and perceived inaction on key demands.Photos: Noida turns warzone: Cars torched, stones rain down as workers’ protest spirals into violencePolice said adequate deployment has been ensured across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate. “The situation is under control and under continuous surveillance. Efforts are being made to counsel workers and maintain peace, with minimum force used where necessary,” officials said.The unrest severely impacted traffic and daily life, with commuters facing long delays due to road blockades and congestion in key areas.The developments in Noida come just days after a similar labour stir in Haryana’s Gurugram district. At IMT Manesar, workers went on strike over wage and working condition issues, which also turned violent.Protesters allegedly vandalised property and set a police vehicle on fire, prompting authorities to arrest 56 people on charges of rioting.The proximity and similarity of demands suggest a broader pattern of labour unrest across industrial hubs. Experts say rising inflation, stagnant wages and increased awareness among workers are contributing to the growing frequency of such protests.For now, authorities in Noida are focused on restoring normalcy and preventing further escalation, while reiterating their commitment to addressing workers’ concerns through dialogue.Key Pointers