Noida industrial workers' protest turns violent: What are their demands?

Anger over low wages and poor working conditions drove Noida's factory workers to protest, with tensions escalating into violence amid police action

Protests by factory workers in Noida turned violent on Monday, with incidents of stone-pelting, arson and vandalism reported across industrial clusters in Phase 2 and adjoining sectors, police and officials said.

 

"Inspired by workers from other states, demonstrations have taken place at several locations in Noida. Upon violent demonstrations occurring at just one location, the police employed minimum force to control the situation. The police have not resorted to firing anywhere. Legal action is being taken against you for spreading false and misleading information and for inciting individuals. Do not spread rumors or misleading information," read a post by Police Commissionerate, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

 

 

According to various media reports, unrest among the region's industrial workers has been building for nearly a week, fueled by unequal pay, ignored demands, and the perception that workers in Haryana received better treatment.

What triggered the protests?

According to police and administrative officials, a large number of workers from multiple industrial units, particularly garment and hosiery factories, gathered to press for a long-pending wage revision.

 

The protests escalated after clashes with police during attempts to disperse demonstrators. “The situation is under control and being kept under continuous surveillance. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary,” police said in a statement cited by PTI.

 

According to reports, workers, however, alleged excessive force. A protester told media, “Why are the policemen beating girls with sticks? What is the need for a lathi charge?”

 

During the violence, protesters allegedly set vehicles on fire, vandalised property and pelted stones at police, while authorities used tear gas to disperse crowds.

Who are the protesters?

The protesters largely comprise industrial factory workers employed in Noida’s export-oriented manufacturing units, including garment and hosiery factories concentrated in Phase 2 and Ecotech areas.

 

Industry representatives acknowledged the scale of mobilisation but claimed that “most demands are being addressed” and urged workers to avoid rumours.

What are their key demands?

Workers have raised a mix of wage-related and workplace concerns:

• Increase in minimum wages to around ₹20,000 per month
• Payment of overtime and bonus dues
• Weekly days off and timely salary payments
• Issuance of proper salary slips
• Formation of internal complaints committees, including for sexual harassment
• Better workplace safety and grievance redressal systems

Many workers said they currently earn around ₹13,000–₹14,000 per month for 26 days of work, which they argue is inadequate amid rising living costs.

 

Workers point to recent wage hikes in Haryana, particularly in Manesar and Gurugram, where minimum wages were increased by roughly 30–35 per cent. By contrast, wages in Uttar Pradesh remain significantly lower.

 

A worker told PTI, “What is the point of working in big cities if there is no pay parity?”     

Administrative response

A day before the violence, District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a meeting with labour department officials to discuss overtime payments, bonus compliance, workplace safety, and weekly holidays.

 

औद्योगिक शांति बनाए रखने के हेतु नोएडा प्राधिकरण में महत्वपूर्ण बैठक संपन्न हुई,जिसमें प्रमुख सचिव(श्रम)एवं श्रम आयुक्त,उ0प्र0 ने वर्चुअल रूप से प्रतिभाग करते हुए श्रमिकों के हितों की सुरक्षा, ओवरटाइम का दोगुनाभुगतान,बोनस,साप्ताहिकअवकाश एवंकार्यस्थल सुरक्षा सहित विषयों पर चर्चाकी pic.twitter.com/ZlFXaCxFK2

— Medha Roopam (@MedhaRoopam) April 12, 2026

 

Police presence has since increased across industrial zones. Delhi police have been placed on alert to prevent spillover into the national capital.