FTU Calls For Cash Coupons To Boost Economy

The pro-Beijing Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) has called on the government to give out cash coupons worth at least HK$8,000 each for people to spend to help revive the economy.

The FTU met with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Friday to make suggestions for the upcoming Policy Address.

Other recommendations to the CE included handing out a monthly cash subsidy of HK$9,000 to the jobless for six months.

When asked why it's proposing cash coupons instead of a cash handout, FTU lawmaker Alice Mak said they wanted to encourage people to spend, and that if a cash handout is given, they may choose to save the money instead of spending it.

Other political parties and groups have also called on the government to give money directly to the people in the Policy Address after offering a cash handout of HK$10,000 earlier this year.

The FTU also called on the government to launch the health code as soon as possible.

And it said the administration should legislate against spreading fake news – such as rumours that the voluntary Covid test causes great pain – which it said was aimed at dividing society. The group said existing laws are insufficient in bringing offenders to justice.