Clash over wages! Workers and police clash in Noida, vandalism and arson reported; situation tense
Workers protest over wage demands turns violent in Noida as clashes with police lead to vandalism, arson, and heavy security deployment in industrial areas.
Noida (The Uttam Hindu): A workers’ protest demanding wage hikes turned violent on Monday morning in Noida. In Phase-2 of Greater Noida’s hosiery complex (D Block), a clash broke out between laborers and police, leading to vandalism and incidents of arson, creating panic in the area.
Angry workers damaged police vans, overturned vehicles, and set some on fire. To control the situation, police had to use tear gas shells. Heavy police force and PAC personnel have been deployed at the site. According to officials, protesters resorted to stone pelting and damaged police vehicles, which escalated the situation.
The protest has been ongoing for several days and initially began in Gurugram before spreading to Noida. It started peacefully, with workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions. However, as the crowd grew and roads were blocked, tensions escalated and some elements triggered violence.
The Phase-2 hosiery complex and Ecotech-3 industrial area host over 100 companies each, and a large number of workers from these areas have joined the protest. It is estimated that employees from more than 500 companies are involved in some capacity.
Key demands of the workers include a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000, double payment for overtime, fixed working hours, weekly holidays, timely salary payments, and strict implementation of labor laws. Workers claim they currently earn ₹500–700 per day while working 10–12 hours, often without proper overtime compensation.
Police initially tried to calm the situation, but as the crowd became uncontrollable, they resorted to a lathi charge and tear gas. Authorities also implemented traffic diversions in several areas, causing inconvenience to the public.
Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Rupam has appealed for peace and stated that meetings have been held with industry representatives and workers. Instructions have been issued to ensure double overtime pay and timely salary. A 24-hour control room has also been set up to address workers’ grievances.
The administration is currently working to restore normalcy, but workers remain firm on their demands. The protest has now expanded beyond wage issues to broader concerns about labor rights and working conditions.