President Xi Jinping paid tribute on Sunday to outstanding workers and called on the country's trade unions to be innovative and fit in with social changes.

Xi made the speech at a meeting with winners of the title of "Model Workers" at the office of the All China Federation of Trade Unions, ahead of the International Workers' Day on May 1.

He said he expected the working class to set the example in realizing the country's collective dream of national revival.

"Happiness does not fall out of the blue and the dream will not come true by itself," he said. "We need to be down to earth and work hard."

The working class is always China's leading class, the most reliable and firmest foundation of the Communist Party of China as well as the main force to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, according to the president.

China should lean on the working class to develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, he added.

Xi said he hoped all workers would fulfill their responsibilities to the country and history and combine their personal desires with the national dream.

He also called on the whole society and people to respect workers and their work.

"We should uphold the idea that working hard is the most honorable, noblest, greatest and most beautiful virtue," he told the audience.

Xi pledged to protect the rights and interests of workers and ensure social justice so that all workers can live a dignified life and develop themselves.

Senior Party and government officials should learn from model workers and firmly prevent bureaucracy and extravagance, the president also suggested.

During Sunday's meeting, Xi called on the country's trade unions to become innovative and meet the expectations of workers, the requirements of the times and fit in with social changes.

"Trade unions should keep listening to workers, serve them heart and soul, well protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers including transient laborers from villages. Make substantial efforts to do good and concrete things and resolve their difficulties, so as to promote a harmonious social labor relationship," said Xi.

"The Party has pinned high hopes on trade unions, while the workers have a great expectation of them," said Xi.

The Party leader went on to highlight the trade unions' role as a bridge and link between the Party and the workers. Noting them as an organization of the working class, Xi said "the trade unions are an important social pillar for the regime of a socialist country."

"The road for the development of trade unions with Chinese characteristics is an important component of China's socialist path with its own characteristics," Xi said.

He emphasized that it is a profound reflection of the nature and features of China's trade unions and a major assurance for them and their work to keep marching forward in the correct direction.

He urged the trade unions to stick to the path and broaden themselves continuously.

At the same time, the leader also requested Party committees and governments at all levels to reinforce and improve their leadership over trade unions, while providing them with more resources and means, so as to create better conditions for them to fulfill their duties.

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