In China, the economy continues to slump, affecting various industries and impacting the general public. Recently, a netizen from Jilin province raised concerns about People’s Excellence Holdings Group Co., Ltd using consumer coupons instead of providing regular wages, sparking attention on social media.
The netizen questioned the appropriateness of receiving consumer coupons instead of cash for their work at the skyscraper Vitality City in Changchun, where they haven’t received any actual cash for three months. They expressed frustration about receiving coupons instead of their hard-earned wages.
According to informed netizens, these coupons are for internal use within the company and can only be spent at certain locations, not at the workplace itself. The employee mentioned that the issued vouchers are considered as wages, not any extra year-end bonuses.
An employee handbook issued by People’s Excellence Holdings Group Co., Ltd on December 30, 2024, outlined the usage details of the “consumer coupons,” specifying they can be used for shopping at the Vitality City Mall on Chongqing Road, paying property management fees in the residential area, purchasing designated properties and parking spaces, with detailed rules and a contact number for inquiries.
The printed consumer coupons come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan, with unique serial numbers and the inscriptions “Chongqing Road • Vitality City Mall” and “People’s Real Estate.”
People’s Excellence Holdings Group is a large investment holding company with interests spanning various industries such as commerce, residential real estate development, urban complex operations, taxi services, urban heating, finance, entertainment, hotels, and sports. The Changchun Vitality City is a comprehensive experiential shopping center meticulously created by the company.
On January 5, a reporter from Huashang Daily contacted the hotline provided in the “Employee ‘Consumer Coupon’ Usage Rules.” A staff member at the Vitality City Mall confirmed that the vouchers had started being accepted but noted that not all stores would honor them.
The staff member explained, “We are a shopping mall, and each store operates independently under a leasing agreement with us. To know which stores accept the vouchers, one has to bring the coupons in person. Currently, over 100 items can be purchased, especially food and clothing.” The usage of the coupons is restricted to the mall and has an expiration date without giving change.
This incident has sparked discussions online, with netizens expressing various opinions and concerns regarding the situation. Some question the government’s oversight, while others criticize the company for not prioritizing employee welfare.
In a challenging economic situation, with various unconventional practices happening, the complexities of running a business and ensuring the well-being of employees have become central themes of discourse. The financial pressures faced by companies are leading to unconventional solutions that are not only raising eyebrows but also causing distress among the workforce.
As individuals navigate these uncertainties, the broader societal implications of such practices come into focus, highlighting the need for both companies and authorities to address underlying issues and ensure fair treatment for all stakeholders involved.