Wage hike, Weekly off top demands as late-night talks follow Noida protest

Noida: Following the protest in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) demanding increase in wages, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a high-level committee to handle the situation. The objective of this committee is to reduce industrial tension and find solutions to the problems of workers. The government has taken this step on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

What are the main demands of the workers?

In the ongoing talks, the workers have put forward many of their main demands. They say that at present his salary is between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, which is quite low as per the rising inflation. Therefore he has demanded to increase the salary to around Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. Along with this, he has also demanded to ensure a fixed weekly off and correct payment of overtime.

Why did the demand for better working conditions and facilities arise?

Workers say the issue is not just about pay, but also about working conditions. They allege that at many places the work pressure is high and facilities are less. They have demanded safe and respectful working environment so that they can get job stability and security.

Who is included in the committee?

Uttar Pradesh Government created this committee and it is headed by the Industrial Development Commissioner. Apart from this, Additional Chief Secretary of MSME Department, Principal Secretary of Labor and Employment Department and Labor Commissioner have been made member secretaries. Besides, labor organizations and industry representatives have also been included in it so that both sides can be heard.

What was discussed in the meeting?

In the meeting held in Greater Noida, labor representatives of different industrial units openly expressed their problems. According to officials, this process is going on in several phases so that all parties can be heard. So far no single union has been selected as the main representative.

What other concerns of the workers came to the fore?

Apart from wages, the workers have also demanded job security, proper implementation of labor laws and better working environment. The administration says that the purpose of the talks is to maintain industrial peace and find solutions to the problems of the workers.

What will happen next?

Officials said more meetings would be held in the coming days. The final decision on salary hike and other major demands will be taken at the government level. At present, the administration has appealed to the workers to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours.