Fifteen private entrepreneurs in southeastern China's Fujian Province have been recognized as "model workers" Tuesday, a title previously conferred only on leaders of state-owned enterprises.
The new policy was adopted by the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Provincial People's Government when honoring 356 "model workers" and other outstanding workers.
"In the past, it was taboo to bestow such honors on private entrepreneurs," said Zhao Zhiwei, vice-president of the Fujian provincial federation of trade unions.
"Undoubtedly, this move will greatly further the development of private enterprises," Zhao said.
It is hard for Ke Yinhe, one of the 15 honorees, to disagree.
"The titles bestowed on us show that our work has been recognized by society," said Ke, 52.
All of the honorees enthusiastically promote society's well-being. They employ large numbers of people and protect employees' legal interests, according to the awards commission.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)
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