The Hindu Editorial • April 20, 2026 • Read Original

Costs and wages: On the Noida labour unrest

Governments must not view labour unrest as a law-and-order problem

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on April 20, 2026

Costs and wages: On the Noida labour unrest

Governments must not view labour unrest as a law-and-order problem

Noida Labour UnrestLabour Codes 2025Minimum WageIndustrial RelationsContract LabourTrade Unions

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 17

English Original

The ongoing factory workers’ protests in Noida’s industrial belt are one of the largest industrial labour mobilisations in recent times.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The ongoing factory workers’ protests in Noida’s industrial belt

The strikes and demonstrations currently being held by factory workers in the industrial areas of Noida

Part 2

are

Exist as or represent a specific status

Part 3

one of the largest industrial labour in recent times

Among the biggest gatherings of workers for a cause that India has seen in the last few years

Sentence 2 of 17

English Original

Violence has been documented as well: stone-pelting and attempts to breach police barricades, as well as a brutal police lathicharge.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Violence

Physical force intended to hurt people or damage property

Part 2

has been

Has been recorded in reports, photos, or videos as evidence

Part 3

as well

Also; in addition to the peaceful protests mentioned earlier

Part 4

stone-pelting and attempts to police barricades, as well as a police

Throwing stones, trying to push through police fences, and the police hitting people with heavy wooden sticks

Sentence 3 of 17

English Original

After Haryana hiked wages for workers by 35% following protests in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Manesar, workers in Noida realised that their own wages were lower, a situation exacerbated by the pinch in LPG supplies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

After Haryana hiked wages for workers by 35% following protests in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Manesar

Following the 35 percent pay increase given to workers in Haryana’s industrial hubs after their successful demonstrations

Part 2

workers in Noida

The labor force employed in the factories and plants situated in Noida

Part 3

realised

Became fully aware of the facts

Part 4

that their own wages were lower

The fact that they were getting significantly less money than their counterparts in Haryana

Part 5

a situation by the in LPG supplies

A hardship made worse because families were struggling to get enough cooking gas

Context and Background

Haryana

In early 2026, the Haryana government announced a landmark 35% increase in minimum wages for industrial workers in hubs like Gurugram and Faridabad. This created a sharp disparity with neighboring Noida in Uttar Pradesh, where wages remained stagnant, triggering jealousy and unrest among Noida’s workforce.

Sentence 4 of 17

English Original

Trade unions have demanded ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 a month — which the Uttar Pradesh government’s interim hike of around 21% did not meet — and fixed working hours and holidays and overtime pay.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Trade unions

Organized groups of workers who fight for better pay and rights

Part 2

have demanded

Have strongly asked for something as a right

Part 3

₹18,000 to ₹25,000 a month

A monthly salary ranging between eighteen thousand and twenty-five thousand rupees

Part 4

which the Uttar Pradesh government’s hike of around 21% did not meet

Extra info showing that the government’s small temporary pay increase was far less than what the workers wanted

Part 5

and fixed working hours and holidays and pay

Specific set hours for work, planned days off, and extra money for working beyond normal hours

Sentence 5 of 17

English Original

The new Labour Codes that the Union government enforced from late 2025 allow a 12-hour single workday and specify wage floors but not actual wages, leaving them to the States.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The new Labour that the Union government enforced from late 2025

The set of four updated labor laws put into action by the Central Government at the end of 2025

Part 2

allow

Permit or give legal approval for

Part 3

a 12-hour single workday

A rule that lets companies ask employees to work for 12 hours in one shift

Part 4

and specify

And clearly state or define specific details

Part 5

The absolute minimum pay level set by the center that states cannot go below

Part 6

but not actual wages

But these laws do not decide the final salary workers actually receive

Part 7

leaving them to the States

Giving the power to decide the final salary amounts to individual state governments

Context and Background

India

The Government of India consolidated 29 central labor laws into four Codes: Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety (OSH). While passed in 2019-2020, their full enforcement began in late 2025. A controversial provision in the OSH Code allows states to permit 12-hour shifts, provided the weekly limit of 48 hours is maintained.

Sentence 6 of 17

English Original

As a result, the Codes have allowed employers in certain States to extract more work from the longer workday at or near the statutory minimum pay.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As a result

Because of the rules mentioned in the previous sentence

Part 2

the Codes

The new Labour Codes (law collections)

Part 3

have allowed

Have made it possible or legal for something to happen

Part 4

in certain States

Factory owners and company bosses in states that have adopted the new rules

Part 5

to more work from the longer workday

To get individuals to produce more output since they are working for 12 hours instead of 8

Part 6

at or near the minimum pay

While only paying the lowest salary amount that the law allows

Sentence 7 of 17

English Original

The share of contract labour in the formal manufacturing sector in India is the highest since 1997-98.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The share of in the in India

The portion of the workforce in official Indian factories that is hired on temporary contracts instead of permanent jobs

Part 2

Represents a current state or level

Part 3

the highest since 1997-98

The biggest number recorded in nearly thirty years

Sentence 8 of 17

English Original

Ironically, the provisions of the Labour Codes encourage the sector to persist with contract labour rather than appreciate job security, while also imposing limits on worker strikes.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In a strange way that is the opposite of what one would expect from a ‘reform’

Part 2

the of the Labour Codes

The specific rules and conditions written within the new labor laws

Part 3

encourage

Promote or make it easier for a practice to continue

Part 4

the sector

The manufacturing industry and businesses

Part 5

to with contract labour rather than appreciate

To keep hiring temporary workers instead of valuing and offering permanent, stable jobs

Part 6

while also limits on worker strikes

At the same time, putting strict rules in place that make it very hard for workers to stop work in protest

Sentence 9 of 17

English Original

These, together with the energy crisis and increasing food prices, precipitated the protests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

These

The various labor issues mentioned before, like low wages and poor laws

Part 2

together with the energy crisis and increasing food prices

Along with the lack of cooking gas/electricity and the rising cost of groceries

Part 3

Caused something bad to happen suddenly or earlier than expected

Part 4

the protests

The public demonstrations and strikes by the workers

Sentence 10 of 17

English Original

In 2024, the Samsung workers’ strike in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was similarly over low wages, unpaid overtime, and the company’s refusal to recognise unions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2024

Two years ago from the current 2026 timeline

Part 2

the Samsung workers’ strike in , Tamil Nadu

The large-scale protest by employees at the Samsung factory in South India

Part 3

was

Existed or happened

Part 4

similarly

In a way that is almost the same as the current Noida unrest

Part 5

over low wages, unpaid overtime, and the company’s to unions

Happened because people were paid too little, worked extra hours for free, and were blocked from forming a group

Context and Background

2024 Samsung Sriperumbudur Strike

The 2024 Samsung strike in Sriperumbudur was one of India’s most significant recent industrial disputes. Workers demanded higher wages and the official recognition of their newly formed union, SIWU (Samsung India Workers Union). The strike highlighted the growing friction between transnational companies and Indian labor rights.

Sentence 11 of 17

English Original

More recently, workers at the IOCL Panipat refinery went on strike demanding an eight-hour workday, better wages, and safer working conditions, as did workers at the NTPC plant in Patratu, and Adani’s Raikheda plant in Raipur.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

More recently

In the last few months or weeks of 2026

Part 2

workers at the IOCL Panipat

The labor force at the large oil processing facility in Haryana owned by Indian Oil

Part 3

went on strike

Stopped working to force the management to listen to their problems

Part 4

demanding an eight-hour workday, better wages, and safer working conditions

Asking for a standard daily work limit, more money, and a place that isn’t dangerous to work in

Part 5

as did workers at the plant in Patratu, and Adani’s Raikheda plant in Raipur

Showing that similar protests happened at power plants in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

Context and Background

Industrial Unrest in Energy Sector (2026)

In early 2026, a massive wave of strikes hit India’s energy and power hubs. At the IOCL Panipat refinery, nearly 40,000 workers protested for an 8-hour day. Similar unrest occurred at the NTPC plant in Patratu (Jharkhand) and Adani Power’s Raikheda plant (Chhattisgarh), where workers opposed 12-hour shifts allowed under the new Labour Codes.

Sentence 12 of 17

English Original

This is practically a wave in the Labour Codes regime, showing that labour rights are paper tigers — exacerbated by Yogi Adityanath’s claim that the protests were a conspiracy, followed by the interim hike.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The widespread series of strikes and mobilizations happening now

Part 2

Represents or currently exists as

Part 3

practically a wave in the Labour Codes

A massive and widespread level of protest occurring under the new system of labor laws

Part 4

showing that labour rights are

Proving that the laws meant to protect workers look strong on paper but have no real power or effect

Part 5

exacerbated by Yogi Adityanath’s claim that the protests were a , followed by the interim hike

Made much worse because the UP Chief Minister called the strikes a secret plan to create trouble, right before giving a small temporary pay raise

Sentence 13 of 17

English Original

A worker who spends one-sixth of his monthly income on cooking costs alone does not need to be radicalised to understand that his wage is insufficient.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A worker who spends one-sixth of his monthly income on cooking costs alone

A low-income employee who has to give away a large part of his earnings just for food and gas

Part 2

does not need

Is not required to or doesn’t have a reason to

Part 3

to be

To be influenced by others to adopt extreme views or join a protest for political reasons

Part 4

to understand that his wage is

To see the simple truth that his salary is too low for a basic life

Sentence 14 of 17

English Original

Further, neither the State nor the Centre responded substantively to residential societies barring domestic workers who had joined the protests by displaying their photographs at the gates — a serious civil rights infraction.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Further

Moving to another point in the criticism

Part 2

neither the State nor the Centre

Both the Uttar Pradesh state government and the Government of India

Part 3

responded

Reacted or took any official action

Part 4

In a meaningful or real way that would solve the problem

Part 5

to residential societies who had joined the protests by displaying their photographs at the gates

Against the apartment colonies that blocked home-helpers from entering just because they protested, even using their photos to shame them

Part 6

a serious civil rights

A big violation of the basic rights given to every citizen by the Constitution

Sentence 15 of 17

English Original

Such heavy-handed responses by employers and societies indicate that the industrial climate is fraught with deep-seated grievances.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such responses by employers and societies

These overly harsh and controlling actions taken by factory bosses and housing group managers

Part 2

indicate

Clearly show or suggest the existence of a situation

Part 3

that the industrial climate is with

That the overall current work environment is filled with serious, long-lasting complaints and problems

Sentence 16 of 17

English Original

Only a fair and transparent system of wage fixation and an institutionalised mechanism for tripartite consultations between the government, employers, and trade unions can ensure industrial peace.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Only a fair and system of and an mechanism for consultations between the government, employers, and trade unions

Only having an honest way to set salaries and a regular official meeting where the government, business owners, and unions talk together

Part 2

can ensure

Has the ability to make sure something happens or stays certain

Part 3

industrial peace

A situation where factories run smoothly without strikes, protests, or violence

Sentence 17 of 17

English Original

Without this, the cost of labour unrest will outweigh the benefits of industrial output.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Without this

If the fair system and consultation process mentioned before are not put in place

Part 2

the cost of labour unrest

The negative effects, like money lost during strikes and the damage to the economy from worker anger

Part 3

will

Will be greater or more significant than something else

Part 4

the benefits of industrial output

The profits and growth gained from making goods in factories

Sentence 1 of 17

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The Noida industrial belt is witnessing massive factory worker mobilisations and protests due to wage disparities.
2 Workers are demanding wage hikes and better conditions following a significant wage increase in neighbouring Haryana.
3 The new Labour Codes, enforced in late 2025, have introduced flexibility in working hours that many see as exploitative.
4 Increasing contract labour and a lack of job security are key drivers behind the widespread industrial unrest across India.
5 The government must move beyond treating labour issues as mere law-and-order problems and implement humane, well-enforced reforms.

Tone of the Editorial

Critical

Why this tone?

The editorial criticizes the government for its slow response, poor handling of labour grievances, and the implementation of Labour Codes that prioritize employer flexibility over worker rights. Phrases like “paper tigers,” “dragging its feet,” and “serious civil rights infraction” reveal a disapproving stance toward current policy and administration.

Sentence 1 of 17

The ongoing factory workers’ protests in Noida’s industrial belt are one of the largest industrial labour mobilisations in recent times.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The ongoing factory workers’ protests in Noida’s industrial belt

The strikes and demonstrations currently being held by factory workers in the industrial areas of Noida

Part 2

are

Exist as or represent a specific status

Part 3

one of the largest industrial labour mobilisations in recent times

Among the biggest gatherings of workers for a cause that India has seen in the last few years

Sentence 2 of 17

Violence has been documented as well: stone-pelting and attempts to breach police barricades, as well as a brutal police lathicharge.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Violence

Physical force intended to hurt people or damage property

Part 2

has been documented

Has been recorded in reports, photos, or videos as evidence

Part 3

as well

Also; in addition to the peaceful protests mentioned earlier

Part 4

stone-pelting and attempts to breach police barricades, as well as a brutal police lathicharge

Throwing stones, trying to push through police fences, and the police hitting people with heavy wooden sticks

Sentence 3 of 17

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

After Haryana hiked wages for workers by 35% following protests in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Manesar

Following the 35 percent pay increase given to workers in Haryana’s industrial hubs after their successful demonstrations

Part 2

workers in Noida

The labor force employed in the factories and plants situated in Noida

Part 3

realised

Became fully aware of the facts

Part 4

that their own wages were lower

The fact that they were getting significantly less money than their counterparts in Haryana

Part 5

a situation exacerbated by the pinch in LPG supplies

A hardship made worse because families were struggling to get enough cooking gas

Sentence 4 of 17

Trade unions have demanded ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 a month — which the Uttar Pradesh government’s interim hike of around 21% did not meet — and fixed working hours and holidays and overtime pay.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Trade unions

Organized groups of workers who fight for better pay and rights

Part 2

have demanded

Have strongly asked for something as a right

Part 3

₹18,000 to ₹25,000 a month

A monthly salary ranging between eighteen thousand and twenty-five thousand rupees

Part 4

which the Uttar Pradesh government’s interim hike of around 21% did not meet

Extra info showing that the government’s small temporary pay increase was far less than what the workers wanted

Part 5

and fixed working hours and holidays and overtime pay

Specific set hours for work, planned days off, and extra money for working beyond normal hours

Sentence 5 of 17

The new Labour Codes that the Union government enforced from late 2025 allow a 12-hour single workday and specify wage floors but not actual wages, leaving them to the States.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The new Labour Codes that the Union government enforced from late 2025

The set of four updated labor laws put into action by the Central Government at the end of 2025

Part 2

allow

Permit or give legal approval for

Part 3

a 12-hour single workday

A rule that lets companies ask employees to work for 12 hours in one shift

Part 4

and specify

And clearly state or define specific details

Part 5

wage floors

The absolute minimum pay level set by the center that states cannot go below

Part 6

but not actual wages

But these laws do not decide the final salary workers actually receive

Part 7

leaving them to the States

Giving the power to decide the final salary amounts to individual state governments

Sentence 6 of 17

As a result, the Codes have allowed employers in certain States to extract more work from the longer workday at or near the statutory minimum pay.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As a result

Because of the rules mentioned in the previous sentence

Part 2

the Codes

The new Labour Codes (law collections)

Part 3

have allowed

Have made it possible or legal for something to happen

Part 4

employers in certain States

Factory owners and company bosses in states that have adopted the new rules

Part 5

to extract more work from the longer workday

To get individuals to produce more output since they are working for 12 hours instead of 8

Part 6

at or near the statutory minimum pay

While only paying the lowest salary amount that the law allows

Sentence 7 of 17

The share of contract labour in the formal manufacturing sector in India is the highest since 1997-98.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The share of contract labour in the formal manufacturing sector in India

The portion of the workforce in official Indian factories that is hired on temporary contracts instead of permanent jobs

Part 2

Represents a current state or level

Part 3

the highest since 1997-98

The biggest number recorded in nearly thirty years

Sentence 8 of 17

Ironically, the provisions of the Labour Codes encourage the sector to persist with contract labour rather than appreciate job security, while also imposing limits on worker strikes.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Ironically

In a strange way that is the opposite of what one would expect from a ‘reform’

Part 2

the provisions of the Labour Codes

The specific rules and conditions written within the new labor laws

Part 3

encourage

Promote or make it easier for a practice to continue

Part 4

the sector

The manufacturing industry and businesses

Part 5

to persist with contract labour rather than appreciate job security

To keep hiring temporary workers instead of valuing and offering permanent, stable jobs

Part 6

while also imposing limits on worker strikes

At the same time, putting strict rules in place that make it very hard for workers to stop work in protest

Sentence 9 of 17

These, together with the energy crisis and increasing food prices, precipitated the protests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

These

The various labor issues mentioned before, like low wages and poor laws

Part 2

together with the energy crisis and increasing food prices

Along with the lack of cooking gas/electricity and the rising cost of groceries

Part 3

precipitated

Caused something bad to happen suddenly or earlier than expected

Part 4

the protests

The public demonstrations and strikes by the workers

Sentence 10 of 17

In 2024, the Samsung workers’ strike in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was similarly over low wages, unpaid overtime, and the company’s refusal to recognise unions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2024

Two years ago from the current 2026 timeline

Part 2

the Samsung workers’ strike in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

The large-scale protest by employees at the Samsung factory in South India

Part 3

was

Existed or happened

Part 4

similarly

In a way that is almost the same as the current Noida unrest

Part 5

over low wages, unpaid overtime, and the company’s refusal to recognise unions

Happened because people were paid too little, worked extra hours for free, and were blocked from forming a group

Sentence 11 of 17

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

More recently

In the last few months or weeks of 2026

Part 2

workers at the IOCL Panipat refinery

The labor force at the large oil processing facility in Haryana owned by Indian Oil

Part 3

went on strike

Stopped working to force the management to listen to their problems

Part 4

demanding an eight-hour workday, better wages, and safer working conditions

Asking for a standard daily work limit, more money, and a place that isn’t dangerous to work in

Part 5

as did workers at the NTPC plant in Patratu, and Adani’s Raikheda plant in Raipur

Showing that similar protests happened at power plants in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

Sentence 12 of 17

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The widespread series of strikes and mobilizations happening now

Part 2

Represents or currently exists as

Part 3

practically a wave in the Labour Codes regime

A massive and widespread level of protest occurring under the new system of labor laws

Part 4

showing that labour rights are paper tigers

Proving that the laws meant to protect workers look strong on paper but have no real power or effect

Part 5

exacerbated by Yogi Adityanath’s claim that the protests were a conspiracy, followed by the interim hike

Made much worse because the UP Chief Minister called the strikes a secret plan to create trouble, right before giving a small temporary pay raise

Sentence 13 of 17

A worker who spends one-sixth of his monthly income on cooking costs alone does not need to be radicalised to understand that his wage is insufficient.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A worker who spends one-sixth of his monthly income on cooking costs alone

A low-income employee who has to give away a large part of his earnings just for food and gas

Part 2

does not need

Is not required to or doesn’t have a reason to

Part 3

to be radicalised

To be influenced by others to adopt extreme views or join a protest for political reasons

Part 4

to understand that his wage is insufficient

To see the simple truth that his salary is too low for a basic life

Sentence 14 of 17

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Further

Moving to another point in the criticism

Part 2

neither the State nor the Centre

Both the Uttar Pradesh state government and the Government of India

Part 3

responded

Reacted or took any official action

Part 4

substantively

In a meaningful or real way that would solve the problem

Part 5

to residential societies barring domestic workers who had joined the protests by displaying their photographs at the gates

Against the apartment colonies that blocked home-helpers from entering just because they protested, even using their photos to shame them

Part 6

a serious civil rights infraction

A big violation of the basic rights given to every citizen by the Constitution

Sentence 15 of 17

Such heavy-handed responses by employers and societies indicate that the industrial climate is fraught with deep-seated grievances.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such heavy-handed responses by employers and societies

These overly harsh and controlling actions taken by factory bosses and housing group managers

Part 2

indicate

Clearly show or suggest the existence of a situation

Part 3

that the industrial climate is fraught with deep-seated grievances

That the overall current work environment is filled with serious, long-lasting complaints and problems

Sentence 16 of 17

Only a fair and transparent system of wage fixation and an institutionalised mechanism for tripartite consultations between the government, employers, and trade unions can ensure industrial peace.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Only a fair and transparent system of wage fixation and an institutionalised mechanism for tripartite consultations between the government, employers, and trade unions

Only having an honest way to set salaries and a regular official meeting where the government, business owners, and unions talk together

Part 2

can ensure

Has the ability to make sure something happens or stays certain

Part 3

industrial peace

A situation where factories run smoothly without strikes, protests, or violence

Sentence 17 of 17

Without this, the cost of labour unrest will outweigh the benefits of industrial output.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Without this

If the fair system and consultation process mentioned before are not put in place

Part 2

the cost of labour unrest

The negative effects, like money lost during strikes and the damage to the economy from worker anger

Part 3

will outweigh

Will be greater or more significant than something else

Part 4

the benefits of industrial output

The profits and growth gained from making goods in factories

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Noida Labour Unrest

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the factory workers' protests in Noida and the impact of the new Labour Codes.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 2 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

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Challenging Vocabulary 151 Idioms and Phrases 108 Phrasal Verbs 52

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Costs and wages: On the Noida labour unrest

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