Huang Yunna, a skilled technician at Shaanxi Wuhuan (Group) Industrial Co, has woven a long journey, from her rural beginnings to her current role as a deputy to the National People's Congress, but she has never forgotten what is important in life.  

In the textile industry, where Huang has been dedicated for more than two decades, a strand of common 40-count cotton yarn, with a diameter of approximately 0.16 millimeters, is as fine as a hair and can easily break with a slight force applied by the fingers. Quickly knotting the broken yarn on the machine is crucial to textile production efficiency and is a fundamental skill that a machine operator must master. While the standard knotting rate is 24 knots per minute, Huang's personal record is 48 knots per minute.

When Huang started her career in 1998 as a textile worker in a bustling city far from her rural hometown, she faced challenges due to her initial struggles with the speed and precision required for tying broken yarn threads swiftly.  However, she persevered, practicing tirelessly to improve her skills. Through unwavering determination and hard work, she not only met but surpassed the industry standards, earning the top spot in the group's skills competition in her first year.

"Doing simple things well is actually not a simple job," she said.

Working in a textile workshop that operates 24/7 under high temperatures, humidity, and deafening machine noise, Huang consistently arrives 30 minutes early for her shift, ensuring quality by meticulously checking machinery and materials. Her dedication to her craft and attention to details have garnered her accolades such as "National Model Worker" and "Outstanding Migrant Worker," showcasing her expertise in the textile sector.

In 2023, Huang was elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC). In her new role participating in State affairs, her horizons have been broadened, prompting her to advocate for issues far beyond the textile workshop, ranging from road safety and rural healthcare to vocational education and industrial development. She now sees her role as a platform to collect the broader concerns of grassroots communities and make the voices of her fellow workers heard.

Huang Yunna, a skilled technician at Shaanxi Wuhuan (Group) Industrial Co, inspects quality in the textile workshop. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

"I used to focus solely on my own work. Now, things are different. I have a strong sense of responsibility to speak for others and constantly keep people's concerns in mind," she said.

Huang's commitment to the welfare of frontline industrial workers is evident in her efforts to bridge the gap between existing policies and their practical implementation. She emphasized that closer collaboration between the government and enterprises is essential to establishing effective incentives and training mechanisms.

She envisions a future where workers are valued, secure in their positions and equipped with the necessary skills to progress in their careers.

Reflecting on her journey from the countryside to textile workshop, and to the NPC, Huang emphasized the importance of staying connected to the needs and aspirations of the people she serves.

"It is important to be close to the people, to speak up for the public, and to play my part to safeguard the welfare of the people," she said.

Feng Tian contributed to this story.