The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have recently increased the minimum wage for workers following a series of protests. However, labor union representatives argue that these adjustments do not sufficiently address the rising cost of living, particularly since the last wage revision took place a decade ago or even longer in some areas. Rising prices of LPG gas cylinders, exacerbated by conflicts in West Asia, have intensified workers’ frustrations, leading to widespread protests, according to union leaders.
Disparities in minimum wage rates across different states have also contributed to discontent, particularly in Noida’s industrial sector, where protests escalated into violence on Monday. The unrest was triggered after the Haryana government announced a 35% increase in minimum monthly wages.
On Tuesday, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) highlighted that the new minimum wage for unskilled workers in Uttar Pradesh is set at Rs 13,690, in comparison to Rs 15,221 in New Delhi and Rs 18,456 in Haryana. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has similarly criticized the wage adjustments as inadequate.
CITU stated, “Workers have been increasingly frustrated with poor working conditions, meager pay, frequent accidents, and disrespectful treatment. Over the past month, the combination of gas shortages and rampant inflation has pushed their patience to the brink. Black market activities concerning gas have led to soaring prices for essential items, with a meal at roadside stalls now costing between Rs 100 and Rs 120 compared to Rs 60 previously.”
Naim Ahmed, District Secretary of the AITUC in Noida, expressed that the current minimum wage for unskilled labor should be raised to at least Rs 21,000. He mentioned that many labor leaders, including himself, have been under house arrest since April 9. “In numerous states, minimum wages have not been updated in the past decade, while the prices of basic goods have consistently risen. Most contract workers in industrial areas are migrants living under harsh conditions, lacking essential facilities. This is not an isolated issue; just two months ago, thousands of contract workers protested in the Barauni Refinery area, and similar demonstrations occurred in Panipat and Surat,” AITUC stated.
After several days of protests in the industrial sectors of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, both state governments have announced increases in minimum wages. Haryana’s government raised the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers to Rs 15,220 effective April 1, while Uttar Pradesh’s government increased it to Rs 13,690 from Rs 11,313.
However, labor unions in Haryana are urging the government to improve the poor working conditions and advocate for a minimum wage of Rs 23,196. CITU claimed that the police are attempting to undermine the workers’ movement by alleging that outsiders are inciting the unrest.
On Tuesday afternoon, workers at Ess Aar Pvt Ltd, a footwear manufacturer in Noida, were expected to gather for a foundation day celebration. Instead, the factory became a focal point of unrest, with reports of vandalism including a damaged director’s vehicle and disrupted operations following violent protests the day prior.
Nearby, several vehicles were set ablaze at a Maruti Suzuki service center as enraged workers clashed with law enforcement, leaving destruction in their wake throughout the Noida industrial sector.
Workers across Noida expressed dissatisfaction with stagnant wages, which have not kept pace with rising living costs. A 19-year-old named Pradeep, who has been employed at a factory in the area for two years, noted that the rent for his shared accommodation increased from Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,500 since April 1. The LPG shortage has compelled them to switch to induction cooking due to skyrocketing black market prices.
White-collar employees in Noida also reported damage to their vehicles during the protests, as some workers attempted to persuade them to join the demonstrations. Vikram, an employee at a local Maruti Suzuki service center, recounted trying to protect his bike from the chaos, witnessing several others being set on fire.
Manisha, who works in a corporate office, described how protesters invaded their workplace during lunch, causing damage while urging employees to join the protest. She recounted an incident where a protesting worker dismissed their pleas for safety by highlighting the hardships faced by their female counterparts in the trenches of labor. “We felt we had no choice but to join the protest,” she said.
Images from Monday revealed extensive damage to vehicles during the protests, with multiple four-wheelers vandalized in various locations across Noida.
