Noida Protest: Action Against 203 Contractors Over Labour Law Violations

Noida: Days after violent workers' protest in Noida and Greater Noida, the labour department has initiated action to cancel licences of 203 contractors associated with 24 factories in Gautam Buddha Nagar has been initiated for violating labour laws. The department has also taken steps  to recover dues and blacklist the agencies concerned.

What did the government do?

According to officials, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration on Friday initiated action to cancel licences of 203 contractors and blacklist firms across 24 factories for alleged violations of labour laws.

What did the police say?

Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said that many contractors whose workers were involved in acts of vandalism during the protests have been identified.

Rakesh Dwivedi said that penalty notices, that amounts to Rs 11,65,06,700 have been issued against contractors who violated labour laws and deprived workers of their rightful benefits, which they have been directed to pay to the workers.

What did Rakesh Dwivedi say about other contractors?

The Additional Labour Commissioner said that the remaining contractors are being identified and strict action will be taken against them as well. The government's intention is clear: any negligence or disregard for workers' rights will not be tolerated.

Will 21 per cent salary hike be implemented from May 1?

In response to a long-standing demand from workers, a high-level government committee has recommended a wage hike. The Additional Labour Commissioner said that, under this measure, wages for workers in 74 scheduled employments in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad have been increased by 21 per cent. These new rates will be effective April 1 and will be paid between May 7 and 10. 

This increase will apply equally to both contract and permanent employees. 

What about EPF and ESI deductions?

Officials have clarified that only EPF and ESI deductions will be accepted from employees' salaries; any other deductions will be strictly enforced.

The Labor Department has also clarified that workers will be paid overtime at double the rate, as well as all statutory benefits such as bonuses and gratuities.

In the event of delayed or underpayment of wages, accountability will be fixed for contractors as well as their primary employers. Meanwhile, industrial units in the district have begun complying with the guidelines issued by the state government and the minimum wage increase set for workers.

Did workers protest on Friday?

On Friday, a large number of employees protested outside a company in Sector 8, Noida, demanding a pay raise. Both men and women gathered at the company gate and began shouting slogans against management. The employees claimed that their salaries had not been increased for a long time, while work pressure was constantly increasing. Upon receiving the information, police and administration officials arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control after negotiations.