Faridabad workers block highway over wage rumours, 23 detained

23 arrested after Faridabad protest

• Highway in Faridabad blocked briefly by protesting workers
• 23 people detained after wage-related protest in Haryana
• Authorities explain wage hike, urge workers to ignore rumours

Did our AI summary help?

A protest triggered by rumours around wage implementation led to a brief highway blockade in Haryana’s Faridabad on Tuesday, prompting police action and the detention of at least 23 people, officials said.

According to a report by HT, the unrest broke out after misinformation spread among factory workers regarding the rollout of revised minimum wages. The confusion led groups of workers to gather and block a key highway stretch, disrupting traffic for a short period before authorities intervened.

The protest began at approximately 7 am, with laborers obstructing the Agra-Delhi highway from 7:15 am to 7:30 am, temporarily halting traffic. As per HT, Police and labour department officials rushed to the spot and engaged with the protesters to clarify the wage structure. Authorities emphasised that the Haryana government had already notified a hike in minimum wages and directed industrial units to implement it transparently. Officials also urged workers not to be misled by rumours or misinformation.

Ajay Pal, deputy labour commissioner, Faridabad, said, “We showed them the gazette notification of the Haryana and UP government after which they believed that the minimum wage of ₹15,220 for unskilled worker announced Haryana government was higher,” he said, as quoted by HT.

Vikram Singh, one of the workers who was involved in Tuesday’s protest, said, “One of the reasons of the agitation on second consecutive day was rumours of difference between minimum wage of unskilled workers announced by Haryana and UP government. The other factor was that the company is not treating them as semi-skilled or skilled workers even after working for five to eight years,” HT reported.

As per the report, the situation was brought under control after discussions at the site, and the blockade was cleared. However, an FIR was registered against those involved in obstructing traffic, and 23 individuals were detained in connection with the protest.

The Faridabad incident comes amid a wider wave of labour unrest across parts of the National Capital Region. In recent days, protests over wage disparities and implementation delays have been reported in Noida, Palwal and other industrial hubs, often leading to traffic disruptions and clashes with police. These protests have largely been driven by dissatisfaction over delays in enforcing revised pay structures and perceived inequalities between regions.

Officials said they have stepped up vigilance in Faridabad and nearby areas to prevent further flare-ups. Labour authorities are also coordinating with factory managements to ensure that wage hike notifications are communicated clearly to workers, reducing the scope for confusion.

The administration has warned that strict action will be taken against those attempting to spread rumours or disrupt law and order, even as efforts continue to address workers’ concerns through dialogue.