Factory workers' wage protest turns violent in Noida, traffic paralysed
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Noida: A protest by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in Noida on Monday, with vehicles torched, property vandalised, and stone pelting reported from Phase 2 and Sector 60, police said.
The unrest disrupted traffic across key routes, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during the morning rush hour, with long queues of vehicles stretching for several kilometres at the Delhi-Noida border.
Workers from multiple industrial units gathered to press their long-pending demand for salary revision, raising slogans during the demonstration. Similar protests were also reported from Sector 62 and Sector 84, including at a Motherson company unit, while protesters blocked National Highway 9. The situation escalated into violence, with incidents of vandalism, stone pelting, and arson reported.
Police said adequate deployment was ensured across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate, with senior officers monitoring the situation on the ground. A heavy police force was rushed to restore order.
“The situation is under control and being continuously monitored. Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order,” police said, adding that people should not believe rumours as normalcy is being restored.
The violence came a day after the Uttar Pradesh government announced labour welfare measures, including mandatory double overtime pay and timely wages for workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
On Sunday, District Magistrate Medha Roopam held meetings with industry representatives and issued directives to protect workers’ rights, stating that those willing to continue work should not face inconvenience and that managements must maintain dialogue in line with government norms.
She announced double overtime pay without deductions, weekly offs, double wages for Sunday work, and bonuses as per rules. Industrial units were also directed to ensure CCTV cameras at factory gates remain functional and to set up a grievance control room with helpline numbers 1202978231, 1202978232, 1202978862, and 1202978702.
Security was also tightened along Delhi’s entry points, with multiple police teams deployed across key connecting roads and border areas to prevent any spillover of unrest.
Police sources said strict vigil and vehicle checks are underway, with paramilitary forces and rapid response teams stationed at sensitive locations. Officials said they are in coordination with Uttar Pradesh Police and are closely monitoring the situation.
With PTI inputs