The celebrations on May 1, in honor of the working class, focused on the work of medical staff and scientists directly involved in the SARS war.

At the same time, workers have been encouraged to push forward the country's economic development.

Vice-President Zeng Qinghong extended holiday greetings to China's working class on the eve of International Labor Day.

He praised front-line medical staff for their efforts and bravery in combating SARS.

He said the central government considered the prevention and treatment of SARS a significant political task because of its impacts on people's health and security, China's reform and development, its national interest and international reputation.

Zeng stressed that nothing, including SARS, could hinder the nation's modernization and progress towards the well-off society proposed at the 16th Party Congress.

He also emphasized the great historical role played by the Chinese working class.

The Chinese working class has been the main driver of economic, social and historical progress and was the force behind the construction of a socialist state.

Since the reform and opening up policies were introduced, the Chinese working class has experienced far-reaching changes, further consolidating and strengthening its role as an advanced productive force.

It now included manual and industrial workers, intellectuals, managers, professionals and other workers from enterprises, institutions and government organizations.

Wei Lu, a sociologist from Beijing, said that as Chinese society develops, the people's definition of a worker has undergone a drastic change.

For example, he noted that entrepreneurs in China, no matter where they came from or whom they worked for, could now be recognized as model workers as long as they conducted their business in accordance with the law.

Richard Carpenter, an American citizen and general manager of Proctor and Gamble Technologies (Beijing) Co, has been hailed as a model worker in Beijing for his tremendous contributions to the Chinese economy.

Carpenter was unexpectedly awarded the Beijing Labor Medal to mark International Labor Day.

"I feel greatly honored and I am very pleased to accept it,'' said the 50-year-old American businessman, receiving the medal from the city's trade union organization.

Sun Xuecai, deputy head of the Beijing Municipal Federation of Trade Unions, said the company led by Carpenter had proved to be successful and profitable.

What's more, Carpenter had paid close attention to the well-being of his workers and supported the work of the company's elected trade union.

Carpenter not only abided by Chinese laws and those of his company, but was also actively involved in social and welfare activities, Sun added.

(China Daily, May 2, 2003)