Noida salary protest turns violent, vehicles torched amid clashes

A protest by factory workers demanding higher wages turned violent in Noida on Monday, with incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and large-scale vandalism reported from the industrial hub.According to officials, unrest broke out in the Hosiery Complex area of Phase 2 after a large number of workers gathered to press for a salary hike. The situation escalated following an altercation, leading to chaos as protestors allegedly hurled stones, damaged property, and set at least one car on fire.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Vehicles and properties vandalised and stones pelted in Phase 2 of Noida where a large number of employees of a company gathered in protest over their demands for a salary increment. Heavy Police deployment made here to bring the situation under control.… pic.twitter.com/1B0axJZSBN

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2026

Police swiftly intervened, deploying heavy security forces to bring the situation under control. Authorities confirmed that the violence caused damage to both public and private property, intensifying tensions across the industrial belt.The protests come against the backdrop of ongoing discussions between labour authorities and the Uttar Pradesh administration over worker welfare issues, including overtime pay, bonuses, weekly offs, and workplace safety.
According to media reports, a day before the violence, District Magistrate Medha Roopam chaired a high-level meeting with senior labour officials, including the state’s principal secretary (labour) and labour commissioner, to address workers’ concerns. The meeting focused on ensuring protection of workers’ rights, including double wages for overtime, annual bonuses, weekly holidays, and improved workplace safety standards.In an official communication, the administration had appealed to workers to maintain calm and avoid rumours, while also sharing control room numbers for assistance. Despite these efforts, protests intensified after two days of demonstrations over low minimum wages in the region.
Officials noted that recent wage revisions in neighbouring Haryana—where minimum monthly pay was raised from Rs14,000 to Rs19,000—have added to the discontent among workers in Noida, where wages remain significantly lower at around Rs13,000.In response to the growing unrest, the Noida administration had announced a series of measures, including compulsory weekly offs, double pay for overtime and work on holidays, timely salary disbursal by the 10th of each month, annual bonuses before November 30, and enhanced workplace safety provisions. A dedicated committee, headed by a woman, is also set to be formed to address complaints of harassment.
Senior officials, including Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh and Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, participated in the discussions, while top labour department officials joined virtually.Authorities said talks with industrial units are ongoing, and strict instructions have been issued to ensure compliance with labour norms. Meanwhile, police have stepped up vigilance in sensitive areas to prevent any further escalation of violence.