Model workers are the outstanding representatives of the proletariat and their exemplary work is still considered important in building a market economy, said Wei Jianxing, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.

Wei visited the homes of relatives of deceased model workers Shi Chuanxiang and Zhang Binggui.

Shi cleaned toilets. He died in 1975 at the age of 60. Zhang was a shop assistant selling sweets in he Beijing Wangfujing Department Store and died in 1987 at the age of 68. Wives of these two men are still alive and healthy. Zhang's son Zhang Chaohe has now taken over is father's job.

Wei is also president of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. He urged local Beijing officials to take care of model workers and their relatives.