Why Are Noida Workers Protesting? Salary Hike, Bonus Among Key Demands

Noida: A massive protest erupted in Noida, the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, after thousands of workers from several private companies turned violent. In Noida's Phase 2, employees not only blocked roads but also expressed their anger through arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism. 

The situation became so serious that police had to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. Surprisingly, despite the administration and government having accepted most of the employees' demands on Sunday night, the unrest escalated further this morning.

What are the demands?

Despite assurances from the administration, the protest expanded on Monday. Employees from nearly 500 companies in Noida's Phase 2 and Ecotech Third (Udyogik Vihar) areas joined the demonstration. The protesting workers say that no concrete action has yet been taken on their main demands. 

Their main demands are:

• Increase in minimum wage: The biggest demand of the workers is that their minimum wage should be increased to Rs 20,000 per month, in line with neighbouring states.
• Determination of working hours: Working hours should be fixed and no extra pressure should be created for working more than 8 hours.
• Weekly leave: Every employee should be ensured one day's compulsory leave in a week.
• The workers allege that they get a daily wage of only Rs 500 to Rs 700, which is insufficient to survive in the current era of inflation.
• Strict enforcement of labour laws: Practices like making companies work for 10-12 hours and not giving bonuses should be banned.
• Wages for overtime: Double wages for overtime work where payment is currently denied.
• Women workers respect: Allegations of lack of respectful treatment towards women workers in some factories

What does the workers say?

The workers say that it has become difficult for them to survive amid rising inflation. They say that room rents are constantly increasing, and now even gas cylinders have to be purchased at high prices. Consequently, it is impossible to support a family with the current salary. The workers demand that the minimum wage in Noida be raised, similar to Haryana. 

They have demanded a monthly wage of Rs 15,220 for unskilled workers, Rs 16,781 for semi-skilled workers, Rs 18,501 for skilled workers, and Rs 19,426 for highly skilled workers. 

On which demands did the government agree?

At a meeting between the District Magistrate and industry representatives on Sunday, several landmark decisions were made to protect the economic interests of workers. The administration clarified that workers would be paid double their regular rate for extra work, and any reduction would be considered a crime.

It was made mandatory for employees to receive their salaries in lump sum by the 10th of each month. Salary slips were also mandated to be provided along with their salaries so that workers could understand their deductions. 

In view of the festive season, instructions were given to deposit bonus amounts into the bank accounts of all eligible workers by November 30.