Tensions rose in parts of Noida on Monday as industrial workers continued protests over wages, with the unrest turning violent in some areas. What started as a demand for better wages has now spilled onto the streets, with workers linking their demands directly to the recent decision taken in the neighboring state of Haryana.
The situation worsened in Phase II and Sectors 60 and 62 in Noida, where the protesting workers clashed with the police. Vehicles were set on fire and stones were thrown after a female worker was injured during police action, HT reported earlier.
Also on Friday, April 10, thousands of workers working in the second phase in Noida staged protests and pelted stones at the police, prompting the authorities to use intense force.
Read also | Factory workers protest against wage hike in Phase 2 in Noida, Sector 60; Setting fire to government vehicles
Workers have been demonstrating over the past four or five days, demanding a wage review that they say is long overdue and should be in line with labor laws.
Wage revision in Haryana
Protests escalated in Noida after the Haryana government, led by Nayab Singh Saini, announced a 35% increase in the minimum wages across all categories of workers.
Under the modified structure:
- The minimum wage for unskilled workers was raised from $11,274 to $15,220 per month
- Semi-skilled workers saw an increase of $12,430.18 to $16,780.74
- Skilled and highly skilled workers also received a 35% increase.
Many workers participating in the protests in Noida say the pay disparity has become difficult to justify, especially since employees in the neighboring state of Haryana now earn more. They also claim that employers are not adhering to minimum wage standards set by the central government, NDTV reported.
Delhi Police is on alert
Amid protests by factory workers in Noida, Delhi Police has also been put on high alert, Press TI reported. The now violent protests have prompted authorities to tighten security measures along the main entry points into the national capital, officials said.
Read also | Workers protest against wage hike at a hosiery complex in Noida
Several teams have been deployed on all navigable roads linking Noida to different parts of Delhi, the news agency reported, quoting police sources, adding that the deployment was particularly undertaken at key border points with UP to prevent unrest from spreading to the capital.
“Delhi Police is fully alert and alert. Adequate force has been deployed at all strategic locations. No one will be allowed to violate law and order,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying.
(With inputs from Sunil Ghosh)
