Noida Protest For Salary Hike Turns Violent, Cars Torched

New Delhi/Noida: Widespread unrest broke out in Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh as workers from multiple companies staged protests demanding salary hikes, with incidents of vandalism, stone-pelting and arson reported across key industrial areas. The protests echo similar protests that began in Haryana’s Manesar on April 2.

The situation turned volatile in Noida Phase 2, where employees gathered to press for wage increases, but soon turned aggressive, damaging vehicles and property. Visuals from the spot show burning vehicles and heavy police deployment, as thousands of workers occupied the streets, creating a tense law-and-order situation.

Senior police leadership, including the UP Director General of Police (DGP), is monitoring the situation closely from the control room.

The agitation quickly spread to other areas. In Sector 84 near the Motherson company, Sector 60 and parts of Phase 2, protesting workers resorted to vandalism, stone-pelting and set vehicles on fire. Demonstrations were also reported in Noida Sector 15 outside the Indian Oil building, indicating the unrest had expanded beyond a single site.

Large gatherings were also reported in Sector 62, where workers blocked key roads leading towards Sector 16 and stretches of NH-9. Protesters raised slogans and staged sit-ins across industrial belts, halting normal activity.

The protest has also spread in Sectors 60, 57, 63, 64, 65 and 59. Protesters have blocked the road and are raising slogans. Officials said the protests had been building over the past few days, with workers from multiple private manufacturing units joining hands over common demands related to wages and working conditions.

Workers alleged that companies had misled them in the name of salary increments and said their current wages are inadequate amid rising inflation and living costs. A protester said, “We have been working for years, yet our salary is stuck at Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000. Even after overtime, it barely reaches Rs 14,000. How can we survive?”

Another worker said, “Room rent alone is Rs 5,000. Then there is ration, transport and children’s education. There is no way to manage expenses at this salary.” A group of workers claimed, “We work 12-16 hours, but don’t get proper benefits. We want a minimum salary of Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000 and double overtime without deductions.” A female employee added, “Even basic needs are difficult to meet. Prices are the same for everyone, but our salaries are not.”