Low Wages, Long Duty Hours: Know What Grievances Noida Protestors Put Before Uttar Pradesh Government

Noida: A protest by employees of a private company in the Noida Phase-2 area of ​​Uttar Pradesh, ongoing over demands for a salary hike, suddenly turned violent on Monday. A large number of gathered employees staged a vigorous demonstration regarding their demands, which gradually escalated into a violent outburst. During the incident, protesters damaged several vehicles and company property, and allegedly engaged in stone-pelting. A heavy police force has been deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control.

What was Demand Over Salary?

The protesting employees in Noida stated that they are being forced to work long hours for extremely low wages. One protester explained that it is very difficult to make ends meet in today's times on a salary of ₹11,000–₹12,000. "When we go to the market to buy goods, do we get them at cheaper rates? Our demand is that the minimum wage be increased to ₹26,000 per month, overtime be paid at double the standard rate, and working hours be fixed."

Sharing his grievances, another employee remarked, "We have to cover expenses for rent, groceries, and our children's education. Managing all of this on such a meager income becomes impossible." Another protester added, "One cannot survive on ₹12,000. It is absolutely insufficient to run a family. Our demands must be met."

What About Leave and Bonuses?

The workers allege that they receive a daily wage of only ₹500 to ₹700, despite being made to work for 10 to 12 hours a day. Furthermore, they claim they are not paid adequately for overtime, nor are they provided with basic benefits such as leave and bonuses. Driven by persistently rising inflation and these workplace grievances, discontent among the workers grew steadily, eventually erupting into a violent protest.

Was Additional Police Force Deployed?

Following the incident, the police and administrative authorities have taken strict measures to bring the situation under control. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area, and the situation is being closely monitored. Officials state that necessary measures will be taken to maintain law and order, and strict action will be initiated against the culprits.

What advice did Delhi Traffic Police put out?

Meanwhile, traffic between Noida and Delhi has been severely disrupted due to the protests. Issuing an advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police informed that the Noida Link Road, starting from the Chilla Border, has been completely blocked. People have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and utilize alternative routes. Commuters heading to Noida have been advised to take the routes via DND, Sarai Kale Khan, or NH-24 and the Kondli Bridge.