Workers demand wage parity as protests in Noida turn violent

New Delhi: Tensions escalated in Noida as protests by factory workers turned violent, leading to incidents of arson, vandalism, and major traffic disruptions across key industrial areas. Demonstrators blocked roads and damaged vehicles, including a police van, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces to restore order.
The unrest follows recent developments in Haryana, where the government approved a significant increase in minimum wages for unskilled workers. The revision has intensified demands among workers in Noida, who are now calling for similar wage adjustments, citing disparities despite performing comparable roles.
The protests, which had been ongoing for several days, initially focused on demands for better pay and improved working conditions. Workers have raised concerns about inadequate safety measures, lack of weekly holidays, and the absence of proper grievance redressal systems in many factories. As the demonstrations intensified, some groups resorted to aggressive actions, complicating efforts to manage the situation.
Authorities confirmed that senior police officials were deployed to the affected areas and continuous monitoring is underway. Efforts are being made to engage with workers and de-escalate tensions through dialogue, while maintaining law and order with minimal force. Officials have also urged the public to avoid spreading or believing unverified information.
Yogi Adityanath emphasized that workers are entitled to fair wages, safe workplaces, and essential facilities. At the same time, he instructed authorities to take strict action against elements attempting to incite unrest under the guise of labour protests. He also called for heightened security in industrial zones.
The state labour department has been directed to initiate discussions with local authorities and industrial representatives to address the concerns raised. The situation remains sensitive, with ongoing efforts focused on restoring normalcy while balancing worker welfare and public safety.