1st LD-Writethru-China Focus: China awards model workers, urges stronger labor unions

An award ceremony on Tuesday championed worker protection, higher working standards and stronger unions.

Accolades were awarded to 2,968 model workers at the ceremony, which was held ahead of Labor Day on May 1.

Senior leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, as well as Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, attended the event.

In a speech, Xi praised the recipients and called on the nation to respect all workers.

He said that workers are "history makers" and "fundamental forces" in China's political and economic development.

Physical labor and intelligence are of equal importance, and are worthy of being respected and remembered, the president said.

Workers' interests shall be further guaranteed and development shall benefit more workers to motivate creativity and foster enthusiasm, Xi said.

Meanwhile, governments at all levels should create more job opportunities and improve working conditions, including training, safety and salary.

The president mentioned that a high-quality labor force with more knowledge and advanced skills would support sustainable development.

China needs a huge high-quality work force. Measures shall be taken to help cultivate talented workers.

Xi also highlighted the importance of unions, demanding that they better link common workers with the Communist Party of China.

He called on labor unions to fulfill their duties to protect workers' interests, maintain close relations with common workers and establish friends with foreign counterparts.

Chairing the meeting, Premier Li Keqiang expressed hope that the nation would learn from the spirit of the model workers and strive for more achievements and improved livelihoods.

He called for stimulating social innovation and market vitality, saying that respecting workers and promoting entrepreneurship will help promote economic growth. Endi