Protesters demands Rs 20,000 for an eight-hour shift
Noida: A protest by factory workers in Noida escalated into violence on Monday, with demonstrators setting vehicles on fire and pelting stones as tensions flared over wages and working conditions.
The unrest took place in Sector 62, where workers have been protesting for the past four to five days, demanding higher pay and better treatment.
According to the workers, their salaries have not kept pace with rising inflation, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
Several women workers voiced their concerns, highlighting the disparity between their long working hours and low income.
“We should be earning at least Rs 20,000 for an eight-hour shift,” one worker said. “Instead, some companies offer a raise of just Rs 300, which is not enough to cope with rising expenses.”
Another worker shared that she earns only Rs 12,000 per month despite working 12-hour shifts. “How can I take care of four children with this income? It is impossible to manage food and education expenses,” she said.
Others pointed to the rising cost of living as a major concern. “Prices of essential items like cooking gas have increased significantly, but our salaries remain the same,” another worker said, expressing frustration over stagnant wages.
The situation took a serious turn on Monday, prompting heavy police deployment in the area to control the unrest. Authorities have been working to restore order and prevent further escalation.
The violence also caused major traffic disruptions. The Delhi-Noida DND Flyway ( Delhi–Noida Direct Flyway) witnessed long jams after routes were diverted. The Chilla border, a key link between Delhi and Noida, was temporarily closed due to the disturbances, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation as efforts continue to bring the protests under control.
