Xi stresses mobilizing workers to participate in national rejuvenation

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and delivers an important speech in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday stressed upholding the Party's overall leadership over trade unions and mobilizing the country's hundreds of millions of workers to vigorously take part in the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a talk with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU).

The development of the Chinese workers' movement was under the leadership of the Party, and trade unions are people's organizations of the working class led by the Party, he said.

Xi stressed the importance of adhering to the overall leadership of the Party over trade unions, and not wavering or deviating from it at any time or under any circumstances.

Based on the fundamental policy of relying wholeheartedly on the working class, efforts must be made to encourage workers to actively take part in the great cause of building China into a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts, he said.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event.

Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the working class has been the main force in the development of the cause of the Party and the country under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee. The Chinese workers' movement has made historic achievements, and the work of trade unions has made comprehensive progress.

Over the past five years, the country's workers have been of one heart and mind with the Party and demonstrated their courage to fight tough battles and shoulder heavy burdens in major work such as economic development, scientific and technological innovation, poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, epidemic prevention and control, and disaster relief, Xi said.

The CPC Central Committee fully acknowledges the significant contributions made by the working class and the new achievements made by the trade unions in their work. The CPC Central Committee has high expectations for the new leadership of ACFTU, he said.

Xi stressed comprehensive and effective efforts in upholding the Party leadership in the whole process and every aspect of the work of the trade unions, urging sound implementation of decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee in trade unions.

To implement the new development philosophy, build a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development, the country needs to carry out various forms of labor and skills competitions and stimulate employees' working enthusiasm and their creative potential, Xi said.

It is necessary to promote the spirit of model workers, the working spirit and craftsmanship, give full play to the leading role of model workers and artisans, and encourage employees to achieve their dreams in hard work, honest work and creative work, Xi said.

Xi stressed that the working class and working people are the main creators of social wealth, and more tangible progress in promoting common prosperity for all people must first be reflected in the hundreds of millions of working people.

Trade unions, as representatives and defenders of workers' interests, should earnestly fulfill their basic duties of safeguarding rights and providing services, focus on solving practical problems concerning the vital interests of workers, and attach importance to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers in new employment forms, Xi said.

They should strengthen democratic management in enterprises and public institutions, offer effective channels for employees to express their demands, guide employees to safeguard their rights and interests in accordance with the law, and promote harmonious labor relations, he added.

Xi said that the reform and construction of trade unions should be further deepened by consolidating grassroots trade unions and strengthening their leadership, organization and service capabilities. The trade union network should cover more workers, and trade unions should innovate working methods and strive to provide targeted and considerate services to workers.

Xi stresses that Party committees at all levels should strengthen leadership over trade unions and their work, ensure that trade union leaders are strong and capable, and care about and be strict with trade union cadres.

Governments at all levels should see that the joint conference mechanism between the government and trade unions fully plays its role, and helps trade unions solve workers' difficulties and problems, he said.