- Employees at a Chinese shopping center received salaries in vouchers instead of cash.
- Vouchers could only be used at select company-owned stores and had no cash change option.
- The practice sparked outrage, with concerns about legal violations and employee financial struggles.
A Chinese company, Motian Vitality City, in Jilin province, caused a stir when it paid its employees in vouchers instead of cash. These vouchers, which ranged from 10 to 500 yuan, could only be spent at specific restaurants, clothing stores, and company-owned properties, leading to frustrations among workers.
Legal experts and HR professionals are now questioning the validity of the practice, with some pointing out that it may violate labor laws in China. These laws mandate that wages must be paid in cash or directly to a worker’s bank account.
Employees Outraged as Chinese Company Pays Salaries in Vouchers Instead of Cash
In Jilin province, a Chinese shopping center called Motian Vitality City has raised eyebrows after paying employee salaries in vouchers rather than cash. The vouchers, valued between 10 and 500 yuan, could only be redeemed at a handful of designated stores and businesses owned by the same parent company. Employees were shocked by the new payment method and voiced their displeasure on social media, revealing their concerns about using vouchers for essential expenses.
The vouchers could be used for a variety of purposes, including property management fees, parking, and shopping at the nearby mall, but only until the end of the year. However, they were restricted to specific businesses within the company, leaving workers with little flexibility. Furthermore, there was no option to receive change for purchases that were lower than the voucher’s value, causing additional frustration among employees.
The practice has sparked outrage online, with many users drawing comparisons to outdated payment systems, such as cigarettes or barter-style exchanges. Legal experts argue that the company may have violated labor laws, which require wages to be paid in cash and stipulate that any changes to employment terms must be agreed upon by employees. A local human resources agency has already confirmed that an investigation is underway.
As the situation unfolds, the company may face significant legal and reputational consequences. Employees’ rights to fair compensation and the ability to meet their daily needs could drive further public backlash, potentially forcing the company to reconsider its approach to employee salaries.
This controversial move by Motian Vitality City has raised serious concerns about employee rights and the legality of non-cash salary payments, likely triggering both legal action and public discontent.
“These are the salary amounts for my three months’ hard work,” said one employee, highlighting the emotional and financial strain caused by receiving vouchers instead of cash.
