Protests Erupt in Noida as Factory Workers Demand Fair Wages
On Monday, thousands of factory workers in Noida staged protests that turned violent, highlighting their demands for a minimum wage increase, improved working conditions, and timely overtime pay. This unrest started on April 8, stimulated by a recent wage hike announcement in Haryana.
The immediate spark for the protests was Haryana’s decision to raise the minimum wage by 35% on April 9, following similar protests in the industrial area of Manesar. Many workers are pointing to the rising cost of living due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia as a critical factor in their agitation.
A significant issue is the lag in updating the base minimum wage across many states. While this adjustment is intended to occur every five years, Haryana had waited a full decade before its latest revision. Uttar Pradesh, which recently announced an interim wage increase, last updated its minimum wage in 2012.
Prior to the latest changes, an unskilled worker in Haryana earned Rs 11,274.60 per month. With the new adjustments effective from April 1, the wage has risen to Rs 15,220.71. In Uttar Pradesh, the monthly wage for unskilled workers was Rs 11,313, but now it stands at Rs 13,690 in Noida and Ghaziabad, Rs 13,006 in municipalities, and Rs 12,356 in other areas.
The Cost of Living Crisis
According to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), inflation has significantly impacted workers’ purchasing power. Between February 2021 and February 2026, the all-India inflation rate for industrial workers soared to 24.8%. In Haryana, inflation rates reached 27.9% in Gurugram, while areas in Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad and Noida, experienced similar jumps.
The minimum wage adjustments have not kept pace with inflation, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet. Many factories are also facing rising input costs, exacerbated by international tensions and tariffs, leading to delayed salaries and job insecurity for workers, many of whom are migrants.
Expectations from Labour Code Reforms
A common sentiment among protesting workers is disappointment with the new Labour Codes introduced in November 2025, which they hoped would lead to better pay and working conditions. The Uttar Pradesh government’s recent clarification dismissed claims of a uniform minimum wage of Rs 20,000 per month as misleading.
Many workers have taken note of a Union government notification from September 2024 stating a higher wage for certain sectors, but this only applies to central government establishments. Confusion remains over the working hours and breaks as finalized regulations from the Center and various states are still pending completion, despite draft proposals being shared for public comment.
The Labour Codes aim to standardize wages and improve social security for workers, but the absence of clear guidelines has led to uncertainty for both employees and employers. Labor experts warn that this ambiguity allows some companies to exploit the flexibility intended for beneficial adjustments, sometimes resulting in excessive workloads and extended hours without adequate compensation.
In conclusion, the situation in Noida reflects broader issues surrounding labor rights and economic pressure facing workers across the country. As protests continue, the call for immediate action on wage reforms and living conditions remains urgent.
