Noida company exposed: Workers claim 'fake' salaries, protests erupt over unfair pay practices

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): A protest by employees of a private company in Uttar Pradesh's Noida Phase 2 area demanding a pay raise suddenly turned violent on Monday. A large number of employees gathered to press their demands, which gradually escalated into a violent protest.

During the protest, protesters damaged several vehicles and company property and allegedly threw stones. A heavy police force was deployed to control the situation. Protesting employees spoke to the news agency IANS, saying they were being forced to work long hours for very low wages.

One protester said, "It's very difficult to survive on a salary of 11,000–12,000 rupees these days. When we go to the market to buy goods, do we get cheaper rates? We demand that the minimum wage be raised to 26,000 rupees per month, overtime pay be doubled, and working hours be fixed." Another worker explained their plight, saying, "We have to pay for rent, food, and our children's education. It's impossible to manage all this with such a meager income."

They pay 15,000 rupees but show 25,000 rupees

A female employee said, "We get a salary between 9,000 and 11,000 rupees. Even after years of hard work, there's no significant increase. If we raise our voice, they give us a 200-300 rupee increase, as if we've done a huge favor." Another female employee said, "We are made to work for 10-12 hours, but are only paid 15,000 rupees. Moreover, when someone comes to investigate, the company records show that we get 25,000 rupees." The employees allege that everything is shown correctly on paper, but the reality is completely different. One employee expressed his displeasure and said that if we protest, they give us a small increase, but the real problem remains the same."

Another protester said, "12,000 rupees is not enough to sustain a family. Our demands must be met." Workers allege that they receive only 500 to 700 rupees per day, while being forced to work 10 to 12 hours a day. Furthermore, they are not paid adequately for overtime, and are denied basic benefits like holidays and bonuses. Rising inflation and workplace problems fueled worker discontent, which eventually escalated into violent protests.

Following the incident, the police administration has taken strict measures to control the situation. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area and the situation is being monitored. Officials say they will take necessary action to maintain law and order and will prosecute the culprits.

Meanwhile, traffic between Noida and Delhi has been severely affected due to the protests. The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory stating that the Noida Link Road from Chilla Border has been completely blocked. People have been advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes. Commuters heading to Noida have been advised to take the DND, Sarai Kale Khan, or NH-24 and the Kondli Bridge.