Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of factory workers in the industrial suburb of Noida on Monday after protests over stagnant wages and rising living costs turned violent. The demonstration, now in its fourth day, saw protesters torch vehicles and pelt stones at security forces.
Gautam Budh Nagar police issued a statement claiming officers used only "minimum force" to restore order. Authorities have since deployed security personnel in anti-riot gear to monitor the satellite city, which serves as one of Asia's largest industrial townships.
Escalating demands for labor reform
Narendra Kashyap, a lawmaker in the Uttar Pradesh state government, urged the demonstrators to move off the streets. He called on labor leaders to bring their grievances directly to government officials for formal negotiation.
Workers are demanding more than just wage increases; they are calling for systemic changes to their working conditions. Vinay Mahoti, a 30-year-old hosiery worker who joined the protests, said the current environment is unsustainable for low-wage laborers.
"Duty hours should be fixed, overtime hours should be paid, and companies should adhere to the guidelines laid by the federal government," Mahoti said. He noted that he initially protested within his manufacturing unit before joining the larger street demonstrations.
The unrest in Noida follows a successful push for higher pay in the neighboring state of Haryana. Last week, the Haryana government ordered a 35 percent increase in minimum wages for workers, following similar industrial protests at major car manufacturing plants.
Global inflation, exacerbated by fuel supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, has placed significant pressure on household budgets across India. As supply chains tighten and the cost of essential goods climbs, factory employees are increasingly testing the limits of their current compensation packages.
Police say they are making persistent efforts to counsel the workers and restore peace. However, with thousands of workers across various industrial units feeling the financial strain, the situation remains volatile.
