A high-level committee set up by the Uttar Pradesh government held late-night discussions with worker representatives in Greater Noida following a large-scale protest in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The panel was constituted on Monday under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to address rising concerns among industrial workers.
According to officials, the committee is chaired by the industrial development commissioner and includes senior officials such as the additional chief secretary of MSME, principal secretary of labour and employment, and the labour commissioner as member secretary. Representatives from labour unions and industry bodies are also part of the discussions.
Workers seek wage revision and weekly off
During the meeting, workers from various industrial units outlined their demands, with wage revision emerging as a central issue. Many workers said they currently earn between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 per month and are seeking an increase to ₹18,000–₹20,000, citing rising living costs and pay disparities with neighbouring states like Haryana.
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“We have been working for years without any meaningful increase in wages. Our demand is simple. We want a fair salary that reflects current costs, "Hindustan Times quoted Suraj, a worker from an industrial unit in Sector 63, as saying.
Alongside wage hikes, employees have also demanded a guaranteed weekly day off and stricter enforcement of double overtime pay.
Beyond wages: Demand for dignity at work
Workers said their concerns go beyond pay. Issues such as workplace treatment, job security, and proper implementation of labour laws were also raised.
“We have asked for weekly offs, proper overtime payment and better treatment at the workplace. This is also about dignity, not just salary,” Hindustan Times cited another worker who participated in the talks as saying.
Officials confirmed that the consultation process will involve multiple rounds, with inputs being gathered from workers across different industrial units. No single labour union has been identified as leading the discussions so far.
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Further talks planned as administration urges calm
District magistrate Medha Roopam said the committee aims to resolve the situation through dialogue while balancing worker welfare and industrial stability. “The committee will engage with all stakeholders and submit its recommendations on priority. The interests of workers will be protected while maintaining industrial peace”, she stated.
Further meetings are expected in the coming days, with key decisions, particularly on wage revision, to be taken at the government level.
Meanwhile, the administration has urged workers to maintain peace and return to work, advising them to rely on official communication and avoid rumours.
