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Workers protest over wages, harassment allegations in Motahaldu, Uttarakhand; police use mild force after scuffle
Hundreds of workers at Motahaldu in Uttarakhand began a sit-in outside an industrial unit on April 20, 2026, demanding higher wages, an eight-hour shift, and job reinstatements. A scuffle with supporters led to the police using light force, while talks between the company and protesters continued with no resolution yet. The incident follows earlier factory protests in Noida on April 13, 2026.
Why It Matters
The event reflects ongoing labor wage disputes and worker welfare concerns, as well as the response of law enforcement and local mediation in labor protests.
Timeline
2 Events
April 20, 2026: Motahaldu workers strike and sit-in; police deployed; scuffle; talks underway
April 20, 2026
Hundreds of employees of a private company in Motahaldu launched a strike and sat-in at the gates of an industrial unit, demanding a minimum wage of ₹20,000, an eight-hour work shift, and reinstatement of terminated colleagues. Female workers alleged inhumane treatment and restrictions on basic needs. Local MLA Mohan Singh Bisht mediated between management and protesters in the presence of administration officials. Police deployed heavily to maintain order; a scuffle occurred between protesters and supporters, after which police used light force to disperse the crowd. Talks between the company and protesters were ongoing, with no resolution yet.
April 13, 2026: Noida factory protests turn violent
April 13, 2026
Factory workers in Noida protested for a wage hike; on April 13, protests turned violent with vehicles torched and public property vandalised, and the demonstrations paralysed traffic, leaving thousands of commuters stranded at the Delhi-Noida border.