Guo Jiaxue, 36, president of a private business in the northwest province of Shaanxi, yesterday was among 16 winners of the provincial title of "Model Worker."
Guo and the other prize-winning private executives were classified as "a new rank in society."
Four private businessmen will also appear in this year's list of winners of May 1 Labor Medals prepared by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, reported Xinhua.
In China, "Model Worker" titles and May 1 Labor Medals are the greatest honor that in the past went exclusively to outstanding state-sector workers and socialist village farmers.
"It is a breakthrough," said ACFTU Vice President Li Qisheng.
"The fact that private businessmen win honors just as workers from the state-owned sector confirms that they are also builders of the socialist cause," said Li. "Private businessmen are also laborers and those who have contributed to the nation are also eligible for the title."
Guo Jiaxue said, "It shows that as a new social rank, our strong desire for social honor and political kudos has been recognized by the state."
Guo's Dongsheng Group, based in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, is a multifunctional business with thousands of workers.
(eastday.com May 1, 2002)
