Noida workers' protest highlights: UP border sealed after arson and stone-pelting, CM Yogi reviews situation

The committee formed by the government to investigate the Noida violence has reached the city and begun reviewing the incident. Senior administrative and police officials are present in the assessment meeting. The committee will visit all affected sites tomorrow to evaluate the damage and examine the reasons behind the unrest. It will also hold discussions with labour unions. The workers had been protesting for three days, and their demands were accepted yesterday, with the District Magistrate issuing an official order along with a video message. Despite this, violence broke out today.

After factory workers' protests rocked Noida, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday assured the protesters that the government stands with them and urged them to recall how it took care of them during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also asked them to "be wary of those who incite unrest, do not let them succeed".

Following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Labour Department has taken a major step to resolve industrial unrest in Noida by forming a high-level committee. The panel will engage with all stakeholders to address workers’ concerns and restore harmony in industrial areas. The committee will be headed by the Industrial Development Commissioner, with the Additional Chief Secretary (MSME) and the Principal Secretary (Labour and Employment) as members. It will also include five representatives from workers’ unions and three from industry bodies.

Speaking in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the double-engine government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working towards a model of security, good governance, and service. He alleged that certain elements are trying to spread unrest to stop the state’s progress and prosperity. The Chief Minister appealed to workers and employees to maintain peace, assuring them that the government stands firmly with them.

The Gautam Budh Nagar Police Commissionerate has clarified that protests were held at multiple locations in Noida, allegedly influenced by external elements, but violence was reported only at one spot. Police said the situation was brought under control using minimal force and confirmed that no firing took place anywhere. Authorities also warned against spreading rumours or misleading information, stating that strict legal action will be taken against those inciting unrest or sharing false claims.

The administration has directed all factories to strictly follow labour welfare guidelines, which include:

1. Overtime payment at double the normal rate, without any deductions
2. Mandatory weekly holiday for all workers
3. If workers are called on Sunday, they will also receive double wages
4. Bonus payment to be credited to bank accounts by November 30 as per rules
5. Formation of Internal Complaints Committees in all workplaces to prevent sexual harassment, headed by women
6. Installation of complaint boxes in every factory
7. Salary payment to be made by the 10th of every month
8. Mandatory issuance of salary slips to all workers

The DM said that strict monitoring will ensure compliance of these rules in all industrial units.

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported on the Delhi–Noida DND Flyway after authorities closed the Chilla Border, a key connecting route between Delhi and Noida, following a violent protest in Noida’s Phase 2 area. The protest, led by employees of a private company demanding a salary hike, turned aggressive with incidents of stone-pelting and damage to vehicles and property. The situation led to traffic diversions, causing long queues and major delays for commuters.

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory stating that traffic movement towards Noida has been severely affected due to the ongoing workers’ agitation in Phase 2. Protesters have completely blocked the Noida Link Road from the Chilla Border, leading to heavy congestion. Commuters have been advised to avoid the route and use alternative options such as the DND Flyway via Sarai Kale Khan or take NH-24 through Kondli Bridge to enter Noida. Travelers are urged to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays.

The industrial landscape of Noida’s Phase 2 was gripped by chaos on Monday as long-simmering labor grievances erupted into large-scale violence. Thousands of workers from the Hosiery Complex and the Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) took to the streets to protest what they described as "systemic exploitation," leading to a heated confrontation. The demonstration, which began as a sit-in for better pay, took a dark turn when protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and the vandalism of private vehicles and factory property. Police units were deployed in large numbers. The cops used tear gas and cane charge to disperse the crowd. PAC units have also been deployed in the strife-hit areas. Read the full story here. 

Workers in Noida Phase 2 location staged a violent protest demanding a salary hike. The protest turned aggressive, with the employees damaging police vehicles and other property. Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters overturned a police vehicle and engaged in stone-pelting, intensifying the already tense situation. This marks the fourth consecutive day of unrest, as employees continue to gather in large numbers to demand better pay. Authorities are struggling to bring the situation under control due to the scale of the protests and the aggressive behavior of the employees. Read the full story here. 

Authorities have deployed a strong police force to control the situation and prevent further violence. Security has been tightened across the industrial area.

This is the fourth consecutive day of protests, with a large number of workers gathering to demand better wages and improved working conditions. The situation remains tense.