Model workers should be loved, respected and cared for throughout modern day China to encourage traditional virtues like dedication and self-discipline.
Wei Jianxing, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark Tuesday at a symposium held by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) to celebrate the May 1 International Labor Day.
He said that by doing outstanding work in their ordinary jobs during the country's reform and opening-up, China's model workers have shown the world the noble character of the working class.
Their excellent example has shown the way during the current era and has played a key role in energetically leading Chinese people towards a specifically Chinese market economy, he said.
As time moves on in the new millennium, Wei said that the role of model workers has become even more important.
Chinese of all nationalities must strive to be innovative, frugal, devoted, forward-looking and work together to advance the country's economic development.
He also said that to learn from model workers was to love them, respect them and cherish them.
As some retired model workers are still poverty stricken or have other problems, Wei called on all the society to help them.
Trade unions at various levels must help model workers solve their problems early and improve their working conditions constantly, Wei said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 1, 2002)
