Noida protest: How salary talks turned into deadly chaos across the city; here's what happened over weekend

A workers’ protest in Phase 2 of Noida in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar turned violent on Monday, as demonstrators demanding a salary hike clashed with authorities and vandalised property outside a private company.

The agitation, which had been ongoing for the past three days as a sit-in, intensified with thousands of workers taking to the streets across several industrial sectors. The situation escalated in Sector 1, Block 84, where some protesters reportedly set vehicles on fire, with at least two vehicles completely gutted in the incident, according to initial reports.

Police intervened, leading to an argument between workers and officials. During the protest, firing was reported and a woman worker from Bihar sustained bullet injuries. She was admitted to a hospital after being hit by two bullets.



Read more: Noida Protest Traffic Latest Update: Workers block key routes, check affected roads, diversions, alternate ways, and why employees are protesting

Here's timeline

Friday and Saturday:

• Around 1,000 contractual garment workers protested at Hosiery Complex, Phase 2, Noida on Friday
• Protest followed a 35% minimum wage hike announced by the Haryana government
• Workers demanded wage parity with counterparts in Gurgaon and Manesar
• Demonstration began at B Block around 9 am; traffic briefly blocked
• Police shifted protesters to a nearby park, promising talks with officials
• Tensions escalated by afternoon; over 1,200 police personnel deployed
• Workers alleged officials failed to turn up for talks, triggering unrest
• Pay gap highlighted: Rs 435/day in Noida vs Rs 585/day in Haryana
• Protesters cited rising costs, including expensive LPG, as a key concern
• By 1 pm, workers marched towards Dadri main road, disrupting traffic
• Clashes broke out; police resorted to lathi charge after stone-pelting
• Senior officials, including ACP Rajeev Narayan Mishra, reached the spot
• Protest continued till evening at Phase 2 flower market area
• Workers dispersed after written assurance from labour department
• Authorities said demands will be escalated to the government

Noida protest live updates: Catch all the latest updates here

Sunday

• Unrest continues despite recent assurances from the district administration
• Officials held meetings with company representatives and workers on Sunday
• Authorities promised steps to address key worker demands
• DM Medha Roopam said directives have been issued after discussions with industries
• Workers to receive double wages for overtime work
• Weekly off to be ensured; double pay if made to work on rest day
• Bonuses to be paid as per rules and credited directly to bank accounts
• New district-wide guidelines introduced to improve labour conditions
• Salaries must be paid by the 10th of every month
• Double-rate overtime made mandatory
• Unauthorised salary deductions to invite strict action
• Employers directed to issue salary slips to all workers
• Dedicated control room set up to address worker grievances
• Administration urges workers to remain calm and avoid rumours

Monday:

• Factory workers’ protest over wage hike turned violent in parts of Noida on Monday
• Incidents of arson, vandalism and stone-pelting reported from Phase-2 and Sector 60
• Large number of workers from industrial units gathered, raising slogans for salary revision
• Protest escalated as some participants allegedly damaged property and set a vehicle on fire
• Vehicles and other assets damaged during the unrest
• Traffic congestion caused major inconvenience to commuters in affected areas
• Heavy police deployment across industrial zones in Gautam Buddh Nagar
• Senior police and administrative officials present on the ground to monitor situation
• Police say situation is under control and under constant surveillance
• Efforts underway to counsel workers and maintain peace
• Minimum force being used to ensure law and order
• Authorities urge public not to believe rumours and assure restoration of normalcy