China will honor 2,426 workers for their outstanding performance or contributions to national rejuvenation efforts at a State-level award ceremony ahead of International Workers' Day, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions said.

It will be the 17th State-level ceremony honoring national role model workers since 1950. The event has been held every five years since 1995.

Among the honorees, 1,670 have been nominated as national role model workers — the highest honor for workers in China — while the remaining 756 will be recognized as exemplary individuals.

The central government issued a notice in January to begin the nomination process. The candidates' qualifications have undergone a strict review and public notification process, the federation said.

Grassroots workers make up the majority of this year's honorees. Of the 2,426 candidates, 903 are frontline workers and technical engineers; 321 are farmers and agricultural workers; and 634 are engaged in teaching and research.

A total of 113 candidates are under the age of 35, with the youngest being 20 years old. About 93 percent, or 2,239 individuals, are between age 35 and 60, with the oldest around 72.

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, established in May 1925. Over the past century, numerous model workers have made significant contributions and set inspiring examples for the public," said Chen Linglang, an official from the federation.

"Honoring role model workers helps boost morale, encourages innovation, and reinforces the value of hard work and fine craftsmanship. It also plays a vital role in advancing Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation," Chen said.

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