‘Radical’ anti-parallel trade protesters hurting Hong Kong’s image and damaging business, retailers say
Union groups urge police to take firm action against demonstrators to protect tourists and hard-hit local businesses
Retailers are finding it increasingly hard to make a living as “radical” anti-parallel trading protesters tarnish Hong Kong’s image as a tourist destination, union leaders said.
About 20 unionists from the pro-establishment Federation of Trade Unions petitioned outside police headquarters in Wan Chai this morning, urging the force to take resolute action against anti-parallel trade protesters in the future to ensure the safety of tourists.
The unionists said that some retailers feared for their safety as protesters now dared to demonstrate inside shops.
They were responding to rallies against mainland-based parallel-goods traders that turned violent on Sunday. The protesters gathered in Sheung Shui first, then took their actions to Tuen Mun and Tsim Sha Tsui – three districts popular with mainland visitors.
“They have become more radical recently … They have lost their rationality,” said Tang Cheung-sing, deputy general secretary of the Hong Kong Department Stores and Commercial Staff General Union.