Hou Yanmei, project operation director of an environmental technology company in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian province, has long been dedicated to her mission of providing a clean environment for residents and beautifying the city.

Hou Yanmei (left), project operation director of Jiahaojia (Fujian) Environmental Technology Company in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian province, cleans a road along with a colleague. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Hou was born in a small village in East China's Shandong province and migrated to Hangzhou, capital city of East China's Zhejiang province, in 2007 at the age of 30, where she found work in the sanitation industry.

Through her exceptional perseverance and efficiency, Hou was promoted to section chief within just eight months. She developed innovative sanitation practices and operational models, quickly becoming a key asset to the company.

In 2012, after Hou's company had secured a contract as part of Fuzhou's market-oriented reforms in road cleaning, she was selected to spearhead operations in the city, marking a fresh chapter in her career.

After moving to Fuzhou, Hou did not view herself only as a laborer but as a mentor, generously imparting her experience to the sanitation workers of the city. She pioneered a new operational model that features human-machine collaboration, team coordination, garbage bin optimization and recycling sanitation, boosting team efficiency while reducing labor intensity.

Viewed as a leader who cultivates skilled individuals, Hou's business acumen and progressive initiatives have earned accolades from Huang Xuemin, deputy general manager of Jiahaojia Environmental Technology.

"I feel totally at ease leaving tough jobs to Hou, as the workers she trains turns out to be able to cope with challenges," Huang said.

Whether clearing drainage systems, or eliminating road debris and waterlogging, Hou and her team demonstrate exceptional proficiency, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the roads with diligence.

During her decade in the sanitation industry, Hou has held various frontline positions, experiencing the challenges and aspirations of sanitation workers firsthand.

Hou Yanmei, in her role as a deputy to the National People's Congress, talks with her workmates to learn about the disposal and transportation of garbage. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

As an outstanding representative of migrant workers in Fuzhou, she was elected as a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in 2018.

Her suggestions on enhancing the status of and welfare provisions for sanitation workers, submitted to the 2018 NPC session, received a speedy response, followed by a document on protecting the legitimate rights and interests of sanitation workers issued by Fujian in the same year.

After conducting a survey, Hou also called for the introduction of a national policy to ensure comprehensive coverage of work-related injury insurance for urban frontline workers, which was noted by relevant departments.

Between 2018 and 2023, Hou submitted 17 suggestions to the 13th NPC, which covered topics like optimizing waste classification, addressing difficulties in recruiting sanitation workers, and safeguarding the rights and interests of migrant workers. Her proposals closely align with the practical needs of the sanitation industry, reflecting the voices and long-standing aspirations of grassroots laborers.

After being reelected as a deputy to the 14th NPC in 2023, Hou was aware that her vision could not be limited to the sanitation industry.

"I need to go beyond work settings to understand the actual conditions of workers in various industries, especially the grassroots laborers," she said.

At last year's NPC session, Hou put forward a suggestion on promoting and protecting labor rights in new forms of employment, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the safety and rights of workers in emerging sectors such as food delivery, courier services and ride-sharing.

"The development of a city requires not only the introduction of high-level talents but also the efforts of grassroots laborers," she said at the time.

Her suggestion was listed as a key task for the NPC Standing Committee and received detailed replies from relevant departments.

Hou says she is happy to have an opportunity to advocate for the rights and interests of grassroots laborers: "I will continue to be committed to speaking for the grassroots workers.”

Zhao Zhenqi and Xu Xinyi contributed to this story.