Workers honored with May 1 Labor Medals

China honored 1,035 workers with National May 1 Labor Medals on Thursday for their outstanding work performance and contributions to the nation's manufacturing and industrial development.

According to a release by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the recommendation and selection of these medalists were open to community and front-line workers, with those serving in manufacturing and flexible employment emphasized.

Among the winners, 412 were manufacturing workers — accounting for 41.6 percent of the total number — which was followed by 235 skilled front-line and community workers. A total of 176 migrant workers won medals, accounting for nearly 17 percent of the total. Of the 1,035 winners, 216 were women.

These medal winners mostly serve in sectors of manufacturing, transportation, construction and electricity or heating companies.

The federation said that migrant workers make up the principal body of the nation's manufacturing workers, and it required in the recommendation notice published in February that no less than 10 percent of the medals be given to migrant workers to recognize their work performance.

Flexibly hired workers such as ride-hailing drivers, couriers and food deliverymen were also honored with the State-level prize because of their good work and their contributions to battling COVID-19.

"Female food delivery worker Liao Zemeng from Chongqing in Southwest China was responsible for sending vegetables and medical supplies to residents when the city was hard hit by the epidemic," said the federation.

According to the federation, it will continue to encourage local authorities and companies to recommend migrant workers and flexible employees with the spirit of craftsmanship for the National May 1 Labor Medals, which aim to recognize more community workers.