Employees of Motian Vitality City, a shopping centre in Jilin province, China, were shocked to find their salaries paid in consumer vouchers instead of cash. This unconventional practice has sparked outrage online and raised legal concerns.
The vouchers, valued between 10 and 500 yuan (approximately Rs 115 to Rs 5,800), came with serial numbers resembling Chinese company faces backlash for paying salaries in vouchers
The vouchers, valued between 10 and 500 yuan (approximately Rs 115 to Rs 5,800), came with serial numbers resembling banknotes
Employees of Motian Vitality City, a shopping centre in Jilin province, China, were shocked to find their salaries paid in consumer vouchers instead of cash. This unconventional practice has sparked outrage online and raised legal concerns.
The vouchers, valued between 10 and 500 yuan (approximately Rs 115 to Rs 5,800), came with serial numbers resembling banknotes. They could only be used in company-owned stores, including restaurants, clothing shops, and even for discounts on parking spaces or property-management fees. However, they offered no change for purchases below their value, limiting their practicality.
Reports revealed that the voucher system extended beyond the shopping centre to other businesses under the parent company, Dazhong Zhuoyue Holding Group. These included real estate, property management, and taxi services. An internal memo indicated that the vouchers would expire at the end of the year.
Employees expressed frustration, highlighting the financial strain caused by this practice. Many struggled to cover essential expenses such as mortgages and family needs with non-cash payments. Social-media users compared the situation to outdated practices where workers were paid in goods instead of money.
The move has been criticised by many, citing violation of labour laws, which require salaries to be paid in cash unless explicitly agreed upon by employees. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter following widespread criticism.
The controversy underscores the challenges faced by employees subjected to unconventional salary practices and raises questions about corporate accountability and adherence to labour rights.
