India, April 27 -- The new wave of labour unrest in India emerged in April 2026, beginning on April 3 in Manesar, Haryana, a major automotive hub. Initially centred on demands for higher wages, the movement quickly expanded beyond a single industry. A significant moment came on April 7, when women garment workers joined the protests, indicating a widening social base.

What started as a localised strike soon evolved into a broader agitation reflecting deeper concerns over wages, working conditions, and economic pressures affecting both organised and unorganised workers.

Rapid Expansion and Intensification of Protests By April 13, the unrest had expanded significantly, encompassing approximately 45,000 workers across nearly 80 sites in N...