BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,218 Chinese workers from across the country received awards for their contribution to the country's development here on Monday.

Li Jianguo, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended congratulations to them a the ceremony, just ahead of International Labor Day which falls on May 1.

In his speech, Li, also chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, called on workers to play a bigger role in the country's comprehensive reform, and pledged to protect their rights and interests.